[Conservative treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis: a systematic, step-by-step treatment strategy].

In the Netherlands the current, conservative management of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee is heterogeneous and suboptimal. Existing guidelines only provide indications for certain interventions, but they do not provide recommendations about the sequence of these treatments. A step-by-step treatment strategy has now been developed in addition to the guidelines. Its aim is to optimize and clarify the conservative policy for osteoarthritis. In addition, communication between patients and professionals and between professionals themselves must be encouraged. According to the treatment strategy, relatively advanced interventions are considered only after simpler interventions have had insufficient results. A care booklet has also been developed that contains information for patients about osteoarthritis, treatment options, healthcare professionals and the treatment strategy.