Lack of benefit of a primary care-based nurse-led education programme for people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the commonest cause of locomotor disability and forms a major element of the workload of the primary care team. There is evidence that patient education may improve quality of life, physical functioning, mental health and coping as well as reducing health service use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a primary care-based patient education programme (PEP) using a randomised controlled trial.

Evaluation of education for people with osteoarthritis of the knee: recruitment and retention issues in study design.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and often disabling condition affecting older adults. Treatment using anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often contributes to morbidity ( 1 ). It is a common reason for people seeking help from primary care ( 2 ).