Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Haines-Eynon A.

Citation:
Physiotherapy, 2021. Conference: Virtual Physiotherapy UK 2020 Conference. Virtual, Online. 113(Supplement 1) (pp e52-e53)

Abstract:
Purpose: To develop, implement and evaluate an integrated rehabilitation programme for patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). To encourage behavioural changes by using social prescribing to facilitate longer-term management. Method(s): Patients with OA of the hip and/or knee were eligible for the class. An attempt was made to include as many patients as possible even with comorbidities. Any patients with any cardiac or respiratory conditions were still eligible provided they were able to manage any acute changes to their condition. Patients were assessed by a physiotherapist following a referral from a GP, ESP or consultant who completed an induction including 4 outcome measures; MSK-HQ, numeric rating scale (NRS), 30-s sit to stand and 4 x 10 m walk test. Patients took part in a 6-week programme consisting of 6 weekly 1 h sessions. Each session included a targeted strengthening circuit and a changing education presentation designed to help people improve their understanding of the condition. The final session which focused around longer term self management was attended by the Healthy Lifestyles Team to educate patients on available services within the local community. At the end of the final session all outcome measures were repeated and patients were given a patient satisfaction questionnaire. On completion of the class patients were given the opportunity to continue with their exercise programme in the hospital gym for a further period of time or encouraged to continue with their exercises in their local gym. They were referred back to their physiotherapist if they were still not able to manage their symptoms. Result(s): One hundred and twenty-three patients started the class, three of these were referred back to their physiotherapist as they were unable to engage in the class environment and a further 17 did not complete the course after the initial session. At least 75% of patients had repeat scores greater than or equal to their initial results on all outcome measures. The minimal clinically important improvement (MCII) value was achieved in 50.6% of patients in the MSK-HQ, 31.6% in the 4 x 10 m walk test, 36.7% in the NRS and 46.5% in the 30 s sit to stand test. Conclusion(s): The results demonstrate an important improvement to patient's pain and function following six exercise class and educational sessions. A wide inclusion criterion with patients who had multiple comorbidities meant these outcomes are more representative of the population and are more generalizable. Giving patients a starting point and a seamless approach from a hospital environment to self-management makes it more likely that patients will continue with a healthy lifestyle reducing the need for recurring visits to healthcare providers. Impact: The class had capacity for up to 12 patients allowing patients more treatment time compared to a routine 20 min follow up appointment. Also by avoiding 1:1 physiotherapy appointments the strain on acute services and its associated costs were reduced. This programme Identifies a further effective treatment option for patients with hip and knee OA. Funding acknowledgements: No funding was required for this study.