title: Management of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis: a study of the primary care perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns of primary care clinicians regarding the management of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis (OA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Case vignette-based survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey was distributed to 251 physicians, physician assistants (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs) in the primary care setting. The survey assessed practice patterns in the management of patients with mild-to-moderate OA, as well as attitudes toward guidelines and future educational topics that may be of benefit to the clinician.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that primary care clinicians are most likely to treat mild-to-moderate OA with an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug regimen. Patients with initial or recurrent OA were "very likely" to be recommended to a physical therapy maintenance program. Two-thirds of respondents claimed to be unfamiliar with Osteoarthritis Research Society International guidelines for OA management.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study reflects the need for further education for primary care physicians, NPs, and PAs on the management of OA.
authors.affiliation: CE Outcomes, LLC, Birmingham, AL, USA.
authors.forename: Terry A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Glauser
authors.forename: Gregory D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Salinas
authors.forename: Nancy L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Roepke
authors.forename: James Chad
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.forename: Alicia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reese
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gutierrez
authors.forename: Mazi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abdolrasulnia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012017:Referral and Consultation
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal