A patients’ view of OA: the Global Osteoarthritis Patient Perception Survey (GOAPPS)
Abstract Background Globally, osteoarthritis (OA) is the third condition associated with disability. There is still poor treatment in OA but science holds the key to finding better treatments and a cure. It is essential to learn what’s important to patients from them to implement the most effective OA management. The OA Patients Task Force, conducted the Global OA Patient Perception Survey (GOAPPS)-the first global survey to compare the quality of life (QoL) & patient perceptions of care across countries. The goal was to collect data on OA patients' perception of OA to understand patients’ needs and expectations to improve OA management.Methods Observational, cross-sectional study by online survey data collection into three languages. Patient demographics, symptomology, OA impact on daily activity and QoL data were collected. The questionnaire comprised of 4 sections: clinical characteristics, relationship with physicians, perception of attention, treatment, information, and QoL.Results A total of 1512 surveys were filled in 7 countries. 84.2% of respondents reported pain/tenderness and 91.1% experienced limitations to physical activities. 42.3% of patients were not satisfied with their current OA treatment. 86% had comorbidities, especially hypertension, and obesity. 51.3% and 78% would like access to additional drug or additional non-drug/non-surgical treatments respectively. 51.7% considered their QoL satisfactory.Conclusions OA has a significant impact on patients’ daily activities and the desire to play an active role in managing their disease. Patients seek additional treatments stressing the need for investing in clinical research, implementing OA preventive measures and managing interventions to improve the healthcare value chain in OA.