چکیده (انگلیسی):

Background:Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of disability and consultation with a GP. However, little is
known about what currently happens when patients with OA consult their GP. This review aims to compare
existing literature reporting patient experiences of consultations in which OA is discussed with GP attitudes and
beliefs regarding OA, in order to identify any consultation events that may be targeted for intervention.
Methods:After a systematic literature search, a narrative review has been conducted of literature detailing patient
experiences of consulting with OA in primary care and GP attitudes to, and beliefs about, OA. Emergent themes
were identified from the extracted findings and GP and patient perspectives compared within each theme.
Results:Twenty two relevant papers were identified. Four themes emerged: diagnosis; explanations; management
of the condition; and the doctor-patient relationship. Delay in diagnosis is frequently reported as well as avoidance
of the term osteoarthritis in favour of‘wear and tear’. Both patients and doctors report negative talk in the consultation,
includingthatOAistobeexpected,hasaninevitabledecline and there is little that can be done about it. Pain
management appears to be a priority for patients, although a number of barriers to effective management have
been identified. Communication withinthe doctor patient consultation alsoappears key, with patients reporting
a lack of feeling their symptoms were legitimised.
Conclusions:The nature of negative talk and discussions around management within the consultation have
emerged as areas for future research. The findings are limited by generic limitations of interview research; to further
understanding of the OA consultation alternative methodology such as direct observation may be necessary.