Analysis of tactics of management of patients with osteoarthritis by primary care physicians

In Russia, as a rule, the first specialist who receives patients with osteoarthritis (OA) is a therapist/general practitioner (family doctor). The aim of the study: to analyze the management tactics, the degree of interdisciplinary interaction and to identify possible shortcomings in the curation of patients with OA by primary care physicians. Material and methods. An anonymous survey was conducted on a questionnaire specially developed by the authors of 90 internists and general practitioners with an average work experience in the specialty - 9,2±7,9 years. Results. Primary care doctors, regardless of work experience in the specialty, are not fully aware of the problems of curation of patients with OA. Recommendations for the regular performance of a set of physical exercises in most cases are formal in nature. Only every second doctor uses methods of mechanical unloading of joints. About a quarter of respondents do not give any recommendations for weight loss. In most cases, consultations of a rheumatologist, an orthopedic traumatologist are prescribed unreasonably, while about 30% of respondents give their patients recommendations to consult a dietitian, a rehabilitologist. Every third doctor does not adhere to the recommended dose regimen, especially the duration of the course of taking both oral and parenteral symptomatic drugs of delayed action (SYSADOA). Conclusion. The provisions of the existing clinical recommendations are being implemented insufficiently, especially in the section of non-drug treatment. To facilitate the work of primary care physicians, the authors have developed an algorithm for managing patients with OA at the outpatient stage.

osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis management tactics, primary care physician, questionnaire, osteoarthritis management algorithm