BABS (Becoming Active in Overcoming Osteoarthritis): A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing an Educational Initiative to Enhance Osteoarthritis Management in Dutch General Practices - Scorecard - MDSpire

BABS (Becoming Active in Overcoming Osteoarthritis): A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing an Educational Initiative to Enhance Osteoarthritis Management in Dutch General Practices

  • By

  • J. M. H. Oomen

  • H. J. Schers

  • E. Das

  • W. J. J. Assendelft

  • S. Koëter

  • C. H. van den Ende

  • February 25, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: BABS (Becoming Active in Overcoming Osteoarthritis): A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing an Educational Initiative to Enhance Osteoarthritis Management in Dutch General Practices

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionKnee and Hip Osteoarthritis (KHOA)
Key MechanismsEducational campaign promoting positive beliefs and adherence to non-surgical treatments using evidence-based persuasive communication techniques
Target PopulationPatients with knee and hip osteoarthritis and their healthcare providers in Dutch general practices
Care SettingPrimary care (general practices) with referral to secondary care as needed

Key Highlights

  • Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability with underutilization of effective non-surgical treatments.
  • Negative patient and healthcare provider beliefs contribute to poor adherence and premature surgical referrals.
  • The BABS campaign uses multi-modal education to improve knowledge, beliefs, and management of OA in primary care.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Early diagnosis of OA with clear communication to counter misconceptions such as OA being 'wear and tear' or normal aging.

Management

  • Use stepped-care approach prioritizing non-surgical treatments before surgery.
  • Provide consistent, evidence-based patient education on OA and treatment options.
  • Promote physical activity and self-management strategies.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Assess patient beliefs and adherence to non-surgical treatments regularly.
  • Monitor healthcare utilization patterns to optimize referral timing to secondary care.

Risks

  • Avoid premature surgical referrals due to underuse or misunderstanding of non-surgical options.
  • Address conflicting information from different healthcare providers to prevent poor adherence.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Individuals with knee and hip osteoarthritis attending Dutch general practices

Educational interventions targeting both patients and healthcare providers can improve beliefs about non-surgical treatments, increase physical activity, and potentially reduce unnecessary secondary care referrals.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Implement multi-component educational campaigns incorporating message framing, narratives, metaphors, and patient testimonials.
  • Deliver education through both physical materials (posters, flyers) and interactive sessions led by multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ensure consistent, clear, and evidence-based communication across all healthcare providers involved in OA management.
  • Encourage early and ongoing patient education to support self-management and adherence to non-surgical treatments.

References

Original Source(s)

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