Nurse Practitioner Led Identification and Treatment of Knee Pain Severity Based on Evidence Classification Protocols

Title: Nurse Practitioner Led Identification and Treatment of Knee Pain Severity Based on Evidence Classification Protocols Background: Knee pain has become the 10th leading office visit in the United States. Prevalence of knee pain has increased 65% in the past 20 years accounting for approximately 4 million clinic visits every year. One out of five men and one out of four women in the United States suffers from knee pain. Treatment protocols in actuality are based on physical therapy, pharmacological treatment, or surgical management. However, research has demonstrated that knee pain and progression of knee related illnesses may be prevented by diet, weight control, knee exercises, and early treatment intervention. Purpose of Project: a) To determine the level of knee pain severity after administration of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire; b) To increase knee pain management knowledge by at least 50% in a 2-month period. EBP Model/ Framework: The John Hopkins Model was used to guide this project. Evidence Based Intervention(s): The WOMAC questionnaire was provided to every patient presenting to the clinic with a complaint of knee pain. Printed material on knee pain management and resources were provided based on WOMAC Scores. Evaluation/ Results: A total of eighteen patients received knee pain management educational material. Fourteen respondents expressed an increase in knowledge on how to properly manage knee pain. One respondent expressed no benefit, and three respondents were not able to be reached by phone. Implications on Practice: Early non-surgical interventions may contribute to prevention and a better management of knee pain. Early detection and management will improve quality of life, decrease progression, and decrease clinic visits. Conclusion: The WOMAC instrument is a reliable and validated tool that has been utilized in numerous research trials as an assessment tool for different knee conditions. Implementation of the WOMAC tool on a primary care facility will assist on obtaining specific information related to knee pain to ensure that patients are provided with the most up to date research information.