Enhancing Collaboration and Integrated Vision on Health: Key Strategies for Addressing Knee Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND: Persons with knee osteoarthritis suffer from a prevalent chronic condition requiring comprehensive treatment approaches. To effectively cater to their needs, healthcare professionals must adopt an integrated health perspective and collaborate across disciplines. This study aimed to understand the viewpoints of patients and healthcare professionals and identify factors influencing collaborative care for persons with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with knee osteoarthritis persons and healthcare professionals involved in their care. Data analysis involved identifying common themes, patterns, and discrepancies among stakeholders. Interviews were coded using NVivo, and inductive analysis was employed to determine themes. RESULTS: Nine healthcare professionals from various disciplines and eight patients with knee osteoarthritis participated. Five main themes emerged: diagnostics, communication, training conditions, integrated health perspective, and Perceived collaboration and support from healthcare professionals. Persons with knee osteoarthritis sought comprehensive diagnoses and expressed satisfaction. Healthcare professionals faced barriers like limited integrated health perspective and time constraints, stressing the need for interdisciplinary training and collaboration. CONCLUSION: Implementing an integrated healthcare vision is crucial for personalized care in chronic conditions like knee osteoarthritis. Continuous training and curriculum integration for healthcare professionals are necessary to prioritize integrated health perspectives and collaboration, thus better meeting the diverse needs of persons.