FRI0638-HPR Reasons Underlying Treatment Choices in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis: A Qualitative Study
Authors: E.M.H. Selten, J.E. Vriezekolk, R. Geenen, W.H. van der Laan, R.G. van der Meulen-Dilling, H.J. Schers, M.W. Nijhof, C.H. van den Ende
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2015)

<h3>Background</h3> Non-surgical treatment modalities in osteoarthritis (OA) of hip or knee are underused<sup>1</sup>, whereas the demand for surgery is rising substantially<sup>2</sup>. Surgery is not always the most effective treatment option, as not all patients are satisfied with the outcomes<sup>3</sup>. To improve utilization of non-surgical treatment options, more in-depth understanding of reasons underlying patients9 treatment choice is required. Knowing these reasons offers opportunities to optimize non-surgical treatment options and will aid to informed shared decision-making for patients with hip or knee OA and their healthcare providers. <h3>Objectives</h3> To identify reasons underlying (surgical and non-surgical) treatment choices in patients with hip or knee OA. <h3>Methods</h3> Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 24 patients with OA were held. Stratified purposive sampling based on gender, age and affected joint (hip or knee) was used to enrich data variation. Recruitment took place in both primary and secondary care. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subsequently coded using a thematic approach. Two independent researchers continuously reflected upon, compared, discussed and adjusted the coding. <h3>Results</h3> Various treatment modalities were discussed by respondents: medication, exercise, physiotherapy, injections, surgery, complementary and alternative treatment. Four key themes of reasons to choose or not to choose for a treatment modality of OA were identified: 1) characteristics of a treatment: expectations about the effectiveness and risks of a treatment, the degree to which a treatment can be individualized to patients9 needs and desires, and the accessibility of a treatment; 2) personal investment: costs in terms of money and time; 3) individual characteristics: age, weight, comorbidities and previous experience with a treatment; and 4) social support: advice from patients9 social environment and healthcare providers. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The four key themes - characteristics of a treatment, personal investment, individual characteristics and social support - give healthcare providers more insight into possible reasons influencing patients9 treatment choices for knee or hip OA. Healthcare providers can use this knowledge in clinical interviews to aid informed shared-decision making, leading to optimized treatment choices. <h3>References</h3> McHugh, G.A., Luker, K.A., Campbell, M., Kay, P.R., &amp; Silman, A.J. (2007). A longitudinal study exploring pain control, treatment and service provision for individuals with end-stage lower limb osteoarthritis. Rheumatology 46(4), 631-637. Otten, R., Van Roermund, P.M., &amp; Picavet, H.S.J. (2010). [Trends in the number of knee and hip arthroplasties: considerably more knee and hip prostheses due to osteoarthritis in 2030] (In Dutch). Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 154, A1534. Nilsdotter, A.K., Toksvig-Larsen, S. &amp; Roos, E.M. (2009) Knee arthroplasty: are patients9 expectations fulfilled? A prospective study of pain and function in 102 patients with 5-year follow-up. Acta Orthopaedica 80(1), 55-61. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared