Patients' perceptions of hand osteoarthritis care in Dutch general practice

Background Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is the second most prevalent form of OA, often associated with pain, reduced function, and diminished quality of life. Despite its prevalence, patients frequently report unmet needs in primary care, where the condition is typically managed.AimTo explore patient perspectives on the management of hand OA in primary care, and identify key barriers and facilitators to care.Design and Setting A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with hand OA patients in the Netherlands.Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 patients using a framework-based interview guide. Patients were recruited through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis identified key themes. Respondent validation was performed via a follow-up questionnaire completed by 51 patients.ResultsSeven barriers and three facilitators were found. The quality of guidance provided by the GP, the availability of information and explanation about hand OA, and the perceived effectiveness of treatment were described as barriers when insufficient and facilitators when adequate. Other barriers included a demotivating attitude toward hand OA, poor collaboration between healthcare providers, perceived limited treatment options, and patient reluctance to pursue certain treatments.ConclusionHand OA patients face several barriers in primary care, many related to GP communication, support, and coordination. Patients desire an engaged GP who offers practical tools and guidance for managing their condition in daily life. To support GPs in this role, improved training, clearer clinical guidelines, and accessible patient education resources are needed. These measures can enable proactive, patient-centred care and improve outcomes for people with hand OA.