Constructing osteoarthritis through discourse – a qualitative analysis of six patient information leaflets on osteoarthritis
2007

Understanding Osteoarthritis Through Patient Leaflets

Sample size: 6 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Janet C Grime, Bie Nio Ong

Primary Institution: Keele University

Hypothesis

How do patient information leaflets construct the reality of osteoarthritis and its management?

Conclusion

The study found that the discourse in patient leaflets often underestimated the complexity of living with osteoarthritis and emphasized a biomedical perspective over patient experiences.

Supporting Evidence

  • The leaflets predominantly used a biomedical discourse, focusing on joint pathology.
  • Only one leaflet included patient experiences, highlighting the need for a more balanced discourse.
  • Most leaflets emphasized patient responsibility for managing osteoarthritis without considering individual challenges.

Takeaway

This study looked at six leaflets about osteoarthritis to see how they explain the condition. It found that they mostly focus on the disease itself and not enough on how people actually live with it.

Methodology

The study involved systematic readings and discourse analysis of six patient information leaflets on osteoarthritis.

Potential Biases

The leaflets may present a biased view by emphasizing biomedical knowledge over patient experiences.

Limitations

The leaflets primarily focused on biomedical aspects and did not adequately address the lived experiences of patients.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-8-34

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