Evaluation of the strategy for implementing the GLA:D programme in Switzerland: protocol for an implementation-effectiveness hybrid type 3 design study with a mixed-method approach.

Introduction: International guidelines recommend the use of exercise, education and weight reduction, when appropriate, as first-line treatment for the conservative management of knee osteoarthritis (OA). These guidelines have not been applied systematically in Switzerland, resulting in an evidence-performance gap. After an analysis of available programmes, the Good Life with osteoArthritis Denmark (GLA:D) programme was determined as the most applicable exercise and education programme for its implementation in Switzerland.

Applicability of Exercise and Education Programmes for Knee Osteoarthritis Management to Switzerland.

The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of six OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) approved exercise and education programmes for the conservative management of knee osteoarthritis to the Swiss health care system. The RE-AIM framework was used in this cross-sectional survey study to analyse the characteristics of the six exercise and education programmes. A survey was developed based on the RE-AIM dimensions, "Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance," for rating the applicability of the programmes (on a scale of 1 = "least applicable" to 10 = "most applicable").

Does the Conservative Non-pharmacological Management of Knee Osteoarthritis in Switzerland Reflect the Clinical Guidelines? A Survey Among General Practitioners, Rheumatologists, and Orthopaedic Surgeons.

The International Guidelines recommend exercise, education and weight management (if appropriate) as the first-line conservative treatment for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) to enhance their self-management. The aim of this study was to investigate the current state of conservative non-pharmacological management of patients with knee OA in Switzerland and to explore the perceived barriers and facilitators to the application of the guideline recommendations. Eleven semi-structured interviews with selected general practitioners (GPs), rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons were performed.