Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Standard
Knee osteoarthritis affects 1.2 million Australians and has a high burden on people living with this chronic condition, and on the healthcare system.
The Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Standard provides guidance to clinicians and healthcare services on managing knee osteoarthritis. The revised Standard was released on 15 August 2024.
Download the Standard
The goals of the Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Standard (2024) are to:
- Improve timely assessment and optimal management for patients with knee osteoarthritis
- Enhance patients’ symptom control, joint function, psychological wellbeing, quality of life and participation in usual activities, and lessen the disability caused by knee osteoarthritis.
The Standard was first published in 2017 and was revised in 2024 following a review of current evidence and consultation with clinical experts and key stakeholders.
Contents of the Standard and resources
The Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Standard contains:
- Eight quality statements describing safe and appropriate care
- A set of indicators to support monitoring and quality improvement.
See our targeted information and resources for consumers, clinicians and healthcare services.
Updates in 2024
The revised Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Standard (2024) is based on a review of the evidence included in the 2017 standard and maintains similar goals and scope.
Key updates in the current version include:
- Clarification of the scope of the Standard to exclude knee pain other than suspected knee osteoarthritis
- Expanded and strengthened statements on:
- Appropriate use of imaging
- Weight management, nutrition, physical activity, and exercise
- Additional information on:
- Psychosocial wellbeing considerations
- Cultural safety and equity considerations
- Communicating with patients to support self‑management.
Communication resources
Show your support for the updated Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Standard by sharing our resources on your website, social networks or within your health service organisation.
A communications kit with newsletter copy and social media graphics is available to help you share and promote the Standard within your networks.
Contact us
If you have questions about this clinical care standard, please email ccs@safetyandquality.gov.au.
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