The most prevalent form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, damage from other inflammatory conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis or gout), or age. With osteoarthritis (OA) the cartilage erodes, eventually resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and bone-on-bone movement in the affected joint. Treatment generally involves a combination of exercise, lifestyle modification, and analgesics. Joint replacement surgery may be used to improve the quality of life. There is no cure for osteoarthritis; however, early diagnosis and appropriate management strategies can improve symptoms.

Osteoarthritis, being the most common form of arthritis, accounts for the vast majority of "joint pain" visits to health care providers. This Continuing Medical Education (CME)/Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program will aid in application of the arthritis clinical practice guidelines and support the development of strategies to improve communications/referral to health care providers and community resources. This module employs a case-based approach to learning wherein you will be presented with 3 "virtual patient" cases designed to simulate common clinical presentations of OA. Each case utilizes several interactive elements that encourage you to take clinical actions and receive immediate feedback from the virtual patient.

Initial funding for the development and evaluation of this program was provided by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Knowledge to Action Grant. Subsequent funding for ongoing updates and accreditation of the program was provided by The Arthritis Society of Canada.