Australians with osteoarthritis: satisfaction with health care providers and the perceived helpfulness of treatments and information sources

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction of Australian patients who suffer from osteoarthritis (OA) with their health care providers and the perceived helpfulness of treatments and information sources.MethodsA self-administered questionnaire was conducted with a sample of 560 Australian patients who suffer from OA with questions about satisfaction with health care providers and the helpfulness of different treatment options and information sources. Logistic regression models were used to assess potential predictors of satisfaction. Thematic analysis was undertaken for attitudinal factors associated with satisfaction.ResultsA total of 435 participants returned questionnaires (response rate 78%). Most respondents were highly satisfied with the care provided by their general practitioner (GP) (84%), communication with their GP (88%), time spent with their GP (84%), and their ability to talk freely with their GP about their medical problem (93%), but less satisfied with their ability to talk freely about associated emotional problems (77%). Satisfaction with pharmacists (80%), rheumatologists (76%), and orthopedic surgeons (72%) was high. Joint replacement surgery (91%), prescription anti-inflammatory medications (66%), aids and assistive devices (65%), intra-articular injections (63%), and prescription painkiller medications (62%) were perceived as effective treatments. Less highly rated treatments were exercise (48%), physiotherapy (43%), and complementary medicines (29%). A majority of patients were satisfied with the information to manage their OA (65%). From the multivariable logistic regression analysis, four GP satisfaction factors were found to be predictors of overall satisfaction with GP care: the amount of time that the GP spends with the patient (P=0.005), the information the GP provides about what to expect (P<0.001), the communication between patient and GP (P=0.001), and the information that the GP provides about medications (P=0.042).ConclusionThe study showed that although patients with OA were generally satisfied with their health care providers, there was notable variation in the perceived helpfulness of therapeutic options. The importance to patients of having access to good quality information about their condition was emphasized.

Patient Perceptions of Psoriatic Arthritis Management and Communication with Physicians in Australia: Results from a Patient Survey

“…Focusing on patients’ treatment goals and enhanced patient–HCP communication were recommended by the working group for improving clinical outcomes for patients with PsA [ 10 ]. Intriguingly, a survey of 435 participants in Australia with osteoarthritis revealed that, amongst other factors, the effectiveness of communication between patients and HCPs was a significant predictor of overall satisfaction with HCP care [ 21 ].…”

Perceived helpfulness of peer-delivered trauma specific treatment: A randomized controlled trial.

“…This is important information because perceiving treatment as more helpful has been associated with treatment engagement, retention and outcomes (Colman, Missinne, & Bracke, 2014; Lee et al, 2007; Mojtabai et al, 2011). In the research on factors that influence treatment engagement, retention and outcomes, perceived helpfulness has been categorized as a cognitive factor along with beliefs and satisfaction (Basedow, Hibbert, Hooper, Runciman, & Esterman, 2016)—with satisfaction being the most studied cognitive factor in studies on peer delivered-services. The findings on satisfaction with peer-delivered services have been inconsistent.…”

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“…Currently, therapeutic options for OA include pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for symptomatic relief of OA. 11 The drug therapy includes simple analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, glucosamine and diacerein. Alternatively, surgery will be considered if the patient's quality of life and daily activities are significantly affected even after the above mentioned medical therapies have been prescribed.…”

“…OA patients were reported to be concerned about the possible side effects of drugs such as NSAIDs. 11 Gastrointestinal bleeding due to the treatment with NSAIDs is not counted as one of the mortality associated with OA. 31 With that, OA deaths are likely highly underestimated.…”