The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance and Pfizer release an updated and expanded version of OACareTools, an online toolkit to help healthcare providers and their patients manage osteoarthritis.

The newly released OACareTools materials aim to make it easier for healthcare providers to support their patients with osteoarthritis, by providing tools and resources to encourage engagement in self-management strategies and shared decision-making opportunities.

OACareTools contains 21 NEW tools and resources customized for three primary groups:

  • Healthcare providers in primary care, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, physical/occupational therapists, sports medicine professionals, athletic trainers, and fitness professionals.
  • Employer representatives such as business leaders, benefits/wellness consultants, human resource representatives, and occupational health providers.
  • Individuals and employees with osteoarthritis.

Healthcare providers can help reduce the burden of OA by expanding their knowledge of OA and its management, using functional assessments in their practice, sharing resources with their patients, and promoting injury prevention.  OACareTools contains nine self-paced educational modules to expand providers’ knowledge of OA and help them support adults with osteoarthritis in self-management strategies. OACareTools also includes customized multi-modal tools and resources, such as:

  • Guidelines for managing OA – Provides a summary of the latest clinical guidelines, at a glance.
  • Functional assessments – These resources discuss a variety of functional assessments used in OA care and offer tips for implementing these assessments into routine care.
  • Exercise Rx for Arthritis – Helps providers guide their patients to find the type, frequency, and intensity of physical activity that best meets their personal needs and situation.

Visit OACareTools for a complete listing and description of resources. In addition, visit here for a list of resources that providers can make available to their patients. A few examples of patient resources include:

  • Dealing with OA or Joint Pain? – Resources and programs available to help patients understand strategies for help managing OA, including physical activity, weight loss, self-care and social support.
  • Evidence-based programs – Physical activity and self-management education programs for patients with OA that may be available in your community.
  • Getting started with physical activity – A worksheet with recommendations and guidance to help patients work with their healthcare provider to develop their own physical activity plans.

[Source(s): Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, PR Newswire]