What Patients Do Following a New Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis

ObjectiveTo describe patient use of health services and products within 6 months of a new diagnosis of knee OA.MethodsPatients with knee pain and no previous diagnosis of knee OA were recruited by community pharmacists using a simple questionnaire to determine the likelihood of knee OA. In total, 194 participants considered likely to have knee OA were referred to a rheumatologist for a standardized knee exam and radiograph. Of these, 190 were confirmed to have knee OA and were subsequently followed for a period of 6 months. At baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months, a survey was administered that contained questions designed to elicit information on participants' health service and product use. Categories included pain-relieving medication, exercise (e.g., walking), treatments/aids (e.g., knee taping/brace, acupuncture, Arthritis Society Management Program, shoe inserts) and supplements (e.g., glucosamine). In addition, to assess participant satisfaction with pharmacy services, participants were asked to rate their ...