Improving osteoarthritis diagnosis and management in the primary care setting: a concise educational tool for primary care providers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, and its prevalence is increasing. We developed an educational tool to improve primary care provider (PCP) comfort with diagnosis and management of non-inflammatory arthritis.

Methods

A pilot survey of PCP comfort with OA informed the creation of a two-page educational tool which was introduced at 28 clinics within the University of Vermont Health Network. The tool's utility was assessed with pre- (n = 94) and post-intervention (n = 32) surveys. We conducted a chart review of adult patients diagnosed with OA at new patient rheumatology visits between 2020 and 2022.

Results

OA was the principal diagnosis at 9% of new patient rheumatology visits. Among 390 patients diagnosed with OA, 22 (5%) returned to

SUBMITTER: Morrison T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12636181 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature