Participant experiences of the Knee Care for Arthritis through Pharmacy Service (KneeCAPS): A personalised hīkoi (journey) through care.

BACKGROUND

Community-based Osteoarthritis Management Programmes may empower people to self-manage and alter their disease trajectory, reducing burden on individuals and communities, particularly for those with current health inequity such as Māori (Indigenous New Zealanders).

OBJECTIVE

To explore the perceptions of people with knee osteoarthritis receiving an interprofessional, community pharmacist-led intervention involving personalised education and referral for evidence-based care in community settings.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional design using qualitative methods based on Interpretive Description. Pharmacists, physiotherapists, and dietitians provided the KneeCAPS intervention in a randomised controlled trial in Aotearoa New Zealand, in which people visiting community pharmacies were screened for knee osteoarthritis. Intervention arm participants were offered tailored explanations, goal setting support and referral for land-based exercise, dietary support, and/or medication review. One-to-one interviews explored intervention participants' perceptions of the service delivery.

RESULTS

Twenty-three participants (Māori = 11, non-Māori = 12) took part in an audio-recorded interview after exiting the trial. Analysis by a team of Māori and non-Māori researchers identified two main themes. Theme 1 captured perceptions of value in receiving goal-orientated, empowering and cohesive collaborative care that led to sustained behaviour changes. Māori participants also reported holistic and culturally responsive care. Theme 2 highlighted unclear processes or missed opportunities in service delivery, unmet expectations, and disruptions in care due to complexities outside of KneeCAPS.

CONCLUSION

Personalised and culturally responsive care is associated with changes that motivate ongoing self-care. It is important to adapt information and service provision to meet changing needs and external complexities at all points of the care journey.