Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®)
Background
National and international clinical guidelines for osteoarthritis suggest a combined approach consisting of patient education, exercise and weight management, if needed. However, this approach is insufficiently implemented in clinical care. Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®) is an initiative from the Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy at University of Southern Denmark with the overarching aim to implement current clinical guidelines for osteoarthritis into clinical care.
GLA:D® consists of three parts
- Education of physical therapists in delivering care in accordance with clinical guidelines
- Patient education and neuromuscular exercise for patients with OA-like symptoms primarily from the hip or knee
- The national GLA:D®-registry for data collection and evaluation of results
GLA:D® aims
- Access to care according to clinical guidelines across health care sectors and geographic regions
- Pain reduction
- Reduced intake of pain killers
- Improved physical function and physical activity
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced number of visits and health care cost for the individual and the society