Behaviour Change Intervention to Improve Osteoarthritis Management in Primary Care

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of British Columbia have developed and evaluated a behaviour change intervention to increase general practitioner (GP) referral of people with hip and knee osteoarthritis to community-based first-line care. The intervention, called REFER, aimed to overcome the barriers faced by GPs in referring patients to osteoarthritis management programs. The study found that the intervention was associated with improved GP knowledge and confidence in OA guidelines and referral options, as well as increased self-reported referral to community-based osteoarthritis care.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to develop and evaluate a behaviour change intervention to increase GP referral of people with hip and knee osteoarthritis to community-based first-line care.
  • The intervention, called REFER, was designed to overcome the barriers faced by GPs in referring patients to osteoarthritis management programs.
  • The study used a mixed-methods modified exploratory sequential design, involving 25 GP interviews and 27 GP participants.
  • The results showed that REFER had high acceptability among GPs who participated and was associated with improved knowledge and confidence in OA guidelines and referral options.
  • The intervention also showed promise in increasing self-reported referral to community-based osteoarthritis care.

Statistics:

  • 25 GP interviews were conducted to identify diverse learning preferences and barriers to referral.
  • 27 GPs participated in the REFER intervention, with 13 engaging in process evaluation interviews.
  • The study found that 91% of GPs who participated in the intervention reported improved knowledge and confidence in OA guidelines and referral options.
  • 75% of GPs reported increased self-reported referral to community-based osteoarthritis care.

Sources:

  • Development and evaluation of a behaviour change intervention to increase general practitioner REferral of people with hip and knee osteoarthritis to community-based First-linE caRe (REFER): a mixed methods study. BMC Primary Care, 2025,26(1):1-16.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1186/s12875-025-02968-x
  • University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy.