Intra-articular knee injections in patients with primary osteoarthritis in a tertiary clinical setting: a best practice implementation project.

Aims: This project aimed to improve physicians' adherence to evidence-based practices regarding the selection and administration of intra-articular knee injections for patients with osteoarthritis. The project also aimed to empower patients by increasing their awareness of these evidence-based practices.

Introduction: In the management of knee osteoarthritis, intra-articular injections are commonly used when initial treatments prove inadequate. However, issues such as patients' demand for rapid relief and variability in physicians' familiarity with optimal practices often lead to suboptimal treatment decisions and potential adverse outcomes.

Methods: This project followed the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which is grounded in an audit, feedback, and re-audit process. Initially, physicians were surveyed on the topic under consideration, and hospital records were reviewed. Subsequently, targeted interventions were implemented, including briefings and the distribution of informative flyers.

Results: The baseline audit indicated low adherence with all audit criteria. Various parameters, such as adherence to best clinical practices, informed decision-making by patients, and the recommendation of alternative treatment modalities, were significantly lacking. Following the interventions, substantial improvements were observed, including higher rates of adherence to best clinical practices by physicians for multiple criteria, such as stepwise referral to conservative therapy options and the content of intra-articular injections.

Conclusions: Adherence to best clinical practices can be improved through educational briefings for physicians on the most current evidence-based treatment practices for injectable substances in knee osteoarthritis. The active engagement of patients, facilitated by informative flyers and physician assistance, contributed to better involvement in their treatment choices. However, the participation of health care institutions and providers as well as lifelong education practices may be necessary for more comprehensive and sustainable changes.

Spanish abstract: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A277.