Victoria University (VU) has partnered with Western Health (WH) to create a free, bilingual e-health module to help thousands of people suffering physical and mental health issues while waiting years for osteoarthritis surgeries.
A study from VU revealed more than 1000 people on the waitlist at Western Health for specialist orthopaedic care are not only in chronic pain, but also grappling with depression and a range of mental health issues.
Termed the Waitlist Project, this collaboration between VU and WH aims to co-design a low-cost, self-directed online intervention for patients with osteoarthritis in the community.
The module seeks to create an inclusive and empowering e-health self-management program that will assist patients by offering advice on ways they can manage their joint pain and improve their mental well-being.
Project lead Professor Itamar Levinger said patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) live with chronic pain that negatively impacts physical function and emotional wellbeing.
“In most Australian public hospitals, patients are placed on long waiting lists to see an orthopaedic specialist without any intervention,” he said
“These lengthy waiting periods have reached crisis levels since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the hardest hit being those most reliant on the public health system. Many of these individuals are from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.”
Professor Levinger said the e-health program addresses the diverse needs of individuals with OA who are awaiting orthopaedic care.
“This program is available in two languages and aims to enhance the physical and mental well-being of individuals with OA in the period between referral from their GP and having a specialist consultation,” he said.
“The e-health program currently consists of seven modules, with each module focusing on education and self-management strategies for OA. The modules cover diverse topics such as exercise, nutrition and pain management with easy to follow videos and activities so individuals can positively impact their own health and wellbeing.”
