Osteoarthritis

The course is divided into five key units:

Unit 1: Osteoarthritis Statistics
This unit provides an overview of the global and Australian statistics related to osteoarthritis prevalence, incidence, and the economic burden of the disease. Participants will understand how OA disproportionately affects older adults and the importance of early intervention to manage the condition's progression​.

Unit 2: Assessment of Osteoarthritis
In this unit, participants are guided through the clinical assessment of osteoarthritis. They will learn to perform a thorough patient evaluation, including history-taking, physical examination, and identifying key symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, and crepitus. This unit emphasises the importance of a holistic, patient-centred approach to understanding how OA impacts daily life​.

Unit 3: Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
This unit focuses on the diagnostic criteria for OA, including recognizing common symptoms and physical findings without the need for imaging. Participants will learn when to use imaging, how to differentiate OA from other joint conditions, and the role of laboratory tests in excluding other diagnoses​.

Unit 4: Management of Osteoarthritis
Participants will explore various management strategies, emphasising non-pharmacological interventions like exercise, weight management, and patient education. Pharmacological treatments, such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids, are discussed as supplementary options. This unit stresses the importance of creating personalised, evidence-based management plans tailored to individual patient needs​.

Unit 5: Patient-Centred Goal Setting – Case Study
In this case-based unit, participants will apply the knowledge gained to real-life scenarios, focusing on setting SMART goals for patients with osteoarthritis. A case study of a 72-year-old patient demonstrates the importance of aligning treatment goals with patient priorities and incorporating a multidisciplinary approach to optimise outcomes​.

This course equips clinicians with the tools to confidently diagnose and manage osteoarthritis, enhancing patient care and improving quality of life for those with OA.