Facebook
X
LinkedIn
ForwardBridging the Gap in Osteoarthritis Management: Empowering Primary Care Providers to Optimize Patients and Improve Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes
| Registration |
|---|
Before enrolling in this educational activity, you must log in or create an account. Once you register for the course, you will have 30 days from the date of enrollment to complete the course. The date your access expires will be indicated in the Course Summary box on this webpage. |
Target Audience
Healthcare professionals.
Description
This on-demand activity provides primary care physicians and advanced practice providers with evidence-based education on osteoarthritis management, with focused attention on how obesity influences disease progression and outcomes in total knee arthroplasty. It is designed to strengthen clinicians’ ability to diagnose and manage osteoarthritis in the primary care setting, support effective non-operative treatment strategies, and encourage early intervention and risk modification. The goal is to improve patient outcomes while reducing avoidable referrals and optimizing the timing and appropriateness of surgical care.
Educational Need
A practice gap exists between current primary care management of knee osteoarthritis and ideal evidence-based practice. Although osteoarthritis and obesity are highly prevalent in primary care, clinicians often rely on early specialty referral or symptomatic pharmacologic treatment rather than implementing comprehensive, guideline-supported conservative management. Obesity is frequently under-recognized and under-addressed as a modifiable risk factor that accelerates osteoarthritis progression and negatively impacts total knee arthroplasty outcomes.
This educational need is evidenced by variability in clinician confidence managing osteoarthritis longitudinally, inconsistent use of non-pharmacologic interventions such as weight management and activity prescription, and missed opportunities for patient counseling and preoperative optimization. This on-demand activity addresses knowledge, competence, and performance gaps by equipping primary care physicians and advanced practice providers with practical, evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes, delay unnecessary referrals, and optimize surgical readiness when referral is indicated.
Learning Objectives
- Identify key clinical features and diagnostic criteria of knee osteoarthritis to improve diagnostic confidence and accuracy within the primary care setting.
- Apply evidence-based, non-operative management modalities for knee osteoarthritis, including lifestyle modification and conservative therapies, to deliver effective care despite limited access to specialty providers.
- Evaluate the impact of obesity and modifiable risk factors on osteoarthritis progression and total knee arthroplasty outcomes to guide timely optimization and referral decisions.
- Implement structured, patient-centered treatment and optimization strategies that enhance functional outcomes, improve surgical readiness when indicated, and increase primary care provider confidence in longitudinal osteoarthritis management.
Speaker
Blake Freeman
Physician Assistant Student, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences
Faculty Advisor
Angela Grundmeyer, DMSc, PA-C
Associate Professor, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences
Dr. Grundmeyer has reviewed the slides for completeness, clinical accuracy, and recommended action.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Recording date: April 20, 2026
Date of original release: April 20, 2026
Most recent review/update: April 20, 2026
Termination date: April 19, 2028
Accreditation Statements
- MD: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS). Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the IMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this enduring materials activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- DO: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this activity for a maximum of 0.75 AOA Category 2-B credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.
- DPM: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education as a provider of continuing education in podiatric medicine. DMU has approved this activity for a maximum of 0.75 continuing education contact hours.
- Other Healthcare Professionals: This activity is designated for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.
 |  |
Educational Grants
No ineligible company provided financial support for this continuing education activity.
Disclosures
The planning committee member(s) and speaker(s) will disclose if any pharmaceuticals or medical procedures and devices discussed are investigational or unapproved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The activity director is responsible for determining educational content and selecting speakers.
Relevant to the content of this educational activity, the following individual(s) have no conflict(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
- Blake Freeman - Speaker
- Angela Grundmeyer, DMSc, PA-C - Faculty Advisor and Content Reviewer
Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only. It is not a substitute for a healthcare provider's independent medical judgment regarding diagnostic and treatment options for a specific patient's medical condition.
Available Credit
- 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
- 0.75 AOA Category 2B
- 0.75 CE Contact Hour(s)
- 0.75 CPME