Patient insights key to shape the future of osteoarthritis care
Written by: Adam Smith - 22nd July 2025
Having the chance to host a dynamic and insightful event at our Wakefield office to discuss the future of knee osteoarthritis care was truly inspiring. We brought together colleagues from NHS acute trusts, NHS Supply Chain, AposHealth®, both Manchester and East Midlands Health Innovation Networks, and patients, for a lively debate that unearthed the challenges faced by each party in the adoption and implementation of health innovation.
We received positive feedback, in particular the value of hearing directly from patients and understanding the barriers and opportunities for adopting innovative solutions like AposHealth®.
This event coincided with the release of our latest report ‘Knee Osteoarthritis: Patient Insight and Experience’. The report captures the voices of people living with knee osteoarthritis and offers a powerful reminder of why patient experience must be at the heart of innovation adoption.
The impact of knee osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis affects an estimated 5.4 million people in England, posing a significant burden on individuals and the NHS. In Yorkshire and the Humber, ageing populations and health inequalities are more pronounced, the prevalence and impact of knee osteoarthritis are particularly acute. In our region, knee osteoarthritis places a particularly heavy burden on healthcare services. As of April 2024, 825 patients in the had been waiting over 12 months for knee replacement surgery.
Current care pathways often struggle to meet growing demand, highlighting the need for innovative, evidence-based solutions. AposHealth® is a NICE approved non-invasive, wearable therapy that can delay or avoid surgery, reduce pain, and improve function and is supported under the NHS MedTech Funding Mandate. Its adoption could help optimise osteoarthritis care pathways, reduce surgical referrals, and improve patient outcomes.
What we heard from patients
Through in-depth interviews with individuals at various stages of the total knee replacement pathway, five key themes emerged:
- Quality of life is deeply affected
Pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility disrupt daily life, work, and independence. Many patients described giving up hobbies, careers, and even driving due to their symptoms. - Mental health is often overlooked
The emotional toll of chronic pain and loss of identity was profound. Patients felt “put on the scrap heap” and called for better integration of mental health support in musculoskeletal system care. - The NHS pathway is fragmented
Patients reported delays, inconsistent advice, and a lack of alternatives between physiotherapy and surgery. Many felt dismissed due to age or weight. - Total knee replacement is seen as a last resort
While some accepted surgery, many were anxious about recovery, especially those living alone or in work. Others wanted to delay surgery but lacked viable options. - AposHealth® demonstrates impact, but awareness is low
Patients who used AposHealth® reported reduced pain and improved mobility. Yet most had never heard of it, and access through the NHS remains limited.
Aligning with the 10-year health plan and MedTech Funding Mandate
The recently published 10 Year Health Plan calls for more personalised, preventative, and community-based care. AposHealth®, now included in the MedTech Funding Mandate, aligns perfectly with this vision.
However, as our report highlights, awareness among both patients and clinicians is low, and funding pathways remain a key barrier. Despite this, every trust represented at our event expressed interest in exploring adoption of AposHealth® within their services.
What needs to change
To support equitable adoption of AposHealth® and improve the osteoarthritis care pathway, we recommend:
- Earlier access to non-surgical options like AposHealth® for patients not yet ready for surgery.
- Better clinician training to raise awareness of innovative treatments.
- Clearer patient education materials to explain how AposHealth® works.
- Mental health integration within musculoskeletal system pathways.
- Redesigned care pathways that are more flexible, holistic, and patient-led.
We are committed to working with NHS providers, commissioners, and innovators to overcome barriers and ensure that patients across Yorkshire and the Humber can benefit from the best available care.
We extend our thanks to the patients who shared their stories, to Versus Arthritis for their support, and to all who attended our event. Your engagement and enthusiasm are driving real change.