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Published Research Peer-Reviewed Open Access

Evaluation of the usability of and engagement with an osteoarthritis e-learning program

Co-author on an international peer-reviewed study evaluating a 12-module eLearning program developed with the OARSI Joint Effort Initiative for healthcare professionals.

12

Modules Evaluated

84%+

Good/Very Good Rating

6

Countries Represented

26

International Co-Authors

Healthcare professionals completing eLearning modules on tablets in a clinical training environment

Full Citation

Gray B, Kobayashi S, Bowden JL, Hinman RS, Bennell K, Burgess A, Briggs AM, Duong V, Barton C, French H, Cunningham J, Slater H, O'Brien D, Persaud J, Gallardo N, Allen K, Hamilton DF, Holden MA, Huffman KF, Miller KA, Quicke J, Skou ST, Tan BY, Toomey C, van der Esch M, Hunter DJ, Eyles J. Evaluation of the usability of and engagement with an osteoarthritis e-learning program developed for healthcare professionals. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open. 2026;8:100787.

View Full Paper DOI: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2026.100787

Abstract

Building eLearning that changes clinical practice

Objective: Evaluate the usability of, and engagement with, an OA eLearning program for healthcare professionals. Assess perceived feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness and user satisfaction.

Results: 31 participants across six countries and multiple disciplines completed at least four modules over 10 weeks. Program usability, engagement, navigation, presentation and overall satisfaction were rated good or very good by at least 84% of participants. The program was considered acceptable, feasible, and appropriate for clinical practice.

Conclusions: The OA eLearning program is well positioned to enhance clinical education and practice. Findings are informing a randomised controlled trial to evaluate impact on knowledge, skills and clinical behaviour.

The Program

ATLAS OA eLearning

The ATLAS (Arthritis Training Learning and up-Skilling) OA eLearning program was developed with the OARSI Joint Effort Initiative - an international consortium of clinicians, researchers and consumer organisations. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, it delivers 12 self-paced modules covering person-centred communication, clinical assessment, exercise prescription, weight management, pharmacotherapy, and interdisciplinary care. Built to transfer across countries and professional disciplines.

Key Findings

What the evaluation showed

Participants rated usability, visual design and engagement on a 5-point Likert scale. Bars show the proportion rating each dimension Very Good, Good, or Fair.

Usability

Navigation Median 4.0
52%
32%
16%
Learnability Median 4.0
71%
26%
Ease of Use Median 3.0
45%
52%

Visual Design

Aesthetics Median 3.0
48%
48%
Layout Median 4.0
65%
26%
10%
Size (font/buttons/menus) Median 4.0
55%
36%
10%

Engagement

Content Presentation Median 4.0
55%
32%
13%
Interactive Median 3.0
39%
55%
Satisfaction Median 3.0
48%
48%
Very Good
Good
Fair

Module Engagement

Completion rates by module

Participants self-selected modules based on learning needs. Core communication and assessment modules saw the highest engagement.

Person-centred care & communication
94%
History taking & physical assessment
74%
Weight management
68%
Introduction to OA
65%
Talking to people about their OA
65%
Adjunctive rehabilitative therapies
58%
Physical activity & exercise
52%
Management planning & self-management
48%
Surgical interventions
48%
Evidence-based practice & CPD
42%
Pharmacotherapy & dietary supplements
39%
Interdisciplinary team & service delivery
39%

n = 31 participants. Modules self-selected based on individual learning needs.

Participants

Who participated

Healthcare professionals across six disciplines from six countries, with experience ranging from early-career to 16+ years.

31 Participants
Physiotherapist
42%
Osteopath
23%
General Practitioner
13%
Rheumatologist
13%
Other (surgeon, nurse, chiro, podiatrist)
10%

6

Countries

58%

Female

39%

Master's degree

29%

16+ years experience

Publication Details

About the journal

Journal

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open

Published by Elsevier on behalf of OARSI

Accepted

20 March 2026

Received 12 January 2026

Licence

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Open access

International Collaboration

This study brought together 26 researchers and clinicians from institutions across Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Denmark, Singapore, and the Netherlands. The program was developed in collaboration with the OARSI Joint Effort Initiative Education Working Group.

University of Sydney University of Melbourne Curtin University La Trobe University University of Southern Denmark UNC Chapel Hill Keele University Glasgow Caledonian

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