Scott Bowley, Samuel Browne
Background Group consultations (GCs) are emerging as a novel way of conducting clinical consultations for chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. We introduced GCs for Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) in 2022 in response to increasing service demands. We aimed to explore the impact of our GC on patient self-efficacy and physical activity alongside patient satisfaction with this new model of care.Methods A service evaluation of GCs within an integrated musculoskeletal (MSK) service in the National Health Service (NHS) in the North-East of England. Patients referred to the service who met the inclusion criteria were invited to attend a group consultation clinic. Of an initial 140 patients invited to attend, 40 completed both pre- and post-intervention outcome measures and were included for analysis. Patients received a 90-min face-to-face group consultation, including a physical examination, evidence-based education and self-management advice and group peer discussion and support. Outcome measures were the modified arthritis self-efficacy score, GP physical activity questionnaire, and patient-reported experience measures.Results Physical activity and self-efficacy levels remained similar following attendance at the group. Patient satisfaction with the groups was high, with patients rating the GC concept and their ability to self-manage their condition highly. 65% of patients felt confident to self-manage at 3 months.Conclusion A one-off group consultation for patients with Knee OA was received positively and allowed a high percentage of patients to be discharged to continue self-management, suggesting this is an efficient and acceptable model of care.