Getting Started

The public health environment has changed dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many in the public and health services sectors have had to move programming and services to remote formats, delivering workshops via Zoom, offering self-directed programs, and calling clients on the phone rather than meeting people face-to-face. 

Even as many people return to public settings, offering health programs and services in alternative formats that meet people’s preferences is important. With these alternative formats, we can reach people who previously were not able or did not want to attend programming in person. 

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Arthritis and Arthritis-Appropriate Evidence-Based Interventions

Arthritis is a common and costly chronic condition for millions of people in the U.S. As the leading cause of work disability in the United States, arthritis significantly limits a person’s ability to perform usual activities. There are over 100 types of arthritis, causing a variety of symptoms for people of all ages. Joint pain and stiffness are the two most common symptoms of arthritis, so there is a significant need for public health programs and resources that help people manage these symptoms.

Arthritis-appropriate evidence-based interventions, or AAEBIs, are a set of select, community-based programs that meet a certain level of criteria.  The criteria were initially created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Arthritis Program and are now adapted and upheld by the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance. Along with establishing that each program meets the list of criteria, the AAEBI review process ensures that programs are supported scientifically, address arthritis-appropriate outcomes, and can be reasonably implemented and disseminated. The list of fully vetted and approved AAEBIs will continue to grow as more programs apply to be reviewed.

Although most AAEBI-related programs are offered in person, some programs are also offered in additional modes, including self-directed, asynchronous, and virtual delivery. The focus of this toolkit is to highlight AAEBIs and affiliated programs that can be delivered remotely to best suit the present needs of diverse individuals and communities. 

Note that as of this time, some of the virtual models of these programs are being studied and not yet shown to be effective for those with arthritis. To view a full list of AAEBIs, please see the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance’s web page on AAEBI. 

Why This Toolkit Is Helpful for Those Adopting AAEBIs

This toolkit provides resources for health educators and other professionals at any level of familiarity or involvement with AAEBIs. Each intervention includes different sections (i.e., description, contact information, planning, implementation, data collection and sustainability resources) that can be utilized individually or collectively. The toolkit also includes modules with general information that can be applied to any AAEBI for broader use.

SOPHE also has created a series of fact sheets for professionals to enhance their understanding and dissemination of evidence-based lifestyle management programs related to arthritis; provide ideas for reaching populations that suffer disproportionately due to arthritis; and share lessons learned during COVID-19 on alternative ways to effectively disseminate evidence-based lifestyle management programs to enhance their quality of life. These resources can be utilized here below, or in the “Emphasizing Health Equity in Implementation” portion of the toolkit.

Tips & Tools: Enhancing the Dissemination of Arthritis & Other Evidence-Based Lifestyle Management Programs 

Intro to Arthritis and Making the Case for Addressing Arthritis

In assessing the need for a new arthritis-related program, it is important to access sources of sound scientific data, including statistics about population demographics and preferences and the prevalence of disease and disability in your state or community. This information also will be important for advocating or making the case for support and new resources needed for the program. Listed below are resources that can help you get started in determining the need to address arthritis and in educating key stakeholders.

Making the Case for AAEBIs—In Person, Remote, and Self-Directed

It is important that all involved parties—health educators, health providers, community organization representatives, and other stakeholders—understand the need for and benefits of AAEBIs. Listed below are resources that can help you better explain, interpret, and recommend AAEBIs.

Focus on AAEBIs That Can Be Delivered Remotely

Since 2019, many arthritis-related programs have been adapted to be delivered remotely. Virtual models of some of these programs are being studied and have not yet been shown to be effective for those with arthritis. Listed below are resources that pertain specifically to remote delivery of evidence-based programming.

Conducting Community Needs Assessments

Before you select a specific program to implement, you must understand the needs of the community. Listed below are resources to guide your community needs assessment and all that it entails.

Emphasizing Health Equity in Implementation

To best serve the needs of a population or community, health education programming must be developed based on principles of equity, inclusivity, and cultural humility and diversity. Listed below are resources pertaining to creating and supporting a respectful, inclusive, safe, mindful, and accommodating environment for program planning and implementation.

Funding Opportunities

Although financing is sometimes difficult to secure, there are many sources program funding. Listed below are various tips for finding funding opportunities, as well as some resources that may help bring success when applying for support.