This study aimed to evaluate the training resource, exploring: 1) changes in clinicians’ knowledge about osteoarthritis and confidence in treatment skills; 2); whether the training was considered useful; and 3) what clinicians learnt and how this influenced their perceived ability to provide osteoarthritis care.
Dietitians, pharmacists, and physiotherapists practising in the same geographic areas where the RCT was conducted were invited to complete online training. Immediately on completion of each module, all clinicians were asked to anonymously rate the usefulness of the module on a 5-point Likert scale and answer two free-text questions. In addition, prior to commencing training clinicians were invited to join an optional evaluation study. Consenting clinicians provided demographic information and completed surveys pre- and 3-months post-training that included the 11-item Knee Osteoarthritis Knowledge Scale (scores range from 11 to 55, higher scores indicating better knowledge) and 16-item Confidence in Osteoarthritis Skills Scale (scores range from 16 to 80, higher scores indicating better confidence). Some clinicians were invited to interdisciplinary focus groups.
Training was completed by 108 clinicians (9 dietitians, 43 pharmacists, 56 physiotherapists) participating in the evaluation study, of whom 68 (7 dietitians, 25 pharmacists, 36 physiotherapists) completed both surveys. Knowledge (mean change 6.7; 95%CI 5.1, 8.3) and confidence (mean change 11.8; 95%CI 9.4, 14.3) scores were increased 3-months post-training. Each module was rated as very or extremely useful by at least 70% of clinicians. Seventeen clinicians participated in one of four interdisciplinary focus groups. Analysis of focus group data and the free-text items from all clinicians indicated that clinicians appreciated the online, self-paced approach. Clinicians considered the training was thorough and helpful for improving their practice. Key themes described improved abilities to: build relationships founded on connection, trust and understanding that enabled all people to participate in care; support people to understand osteoarthritis and its management; and support sustainable healthy lifestyles.
Community-based dietitians, pharmacists, and physiotherapists appreciated a package of online self-guided training modules and felt that these improved their ability to provide osteoarthritis care. Training improved their osteoarthritis knowledge and confidence in skills to provide osteoarthritis care.
Modular, self-guided, online training is an accessible and scalable method to support the primary care workforce to provide consistent, evidence-based, person-centred care to people with knee osteoarthritis.
Primary health care
Clinician education
