Unmet need for joint replacement: a qualitative investigation of barriers to treatment among individuals with severe pain and disability of the hip and knee

Objective. To explore barriers to health-care utilization in respondents with moderate to severe hip/knee symptoms of pain and disability. Methods. In-depth interviews were carried out with 27 participants who had high levels of hip/knee pain and disability (according to New Zealand scores). There were 10 men and 17 women; median age 76 yr (range 51-91). The data were analysed thematically using the constant comparison technique. Results. Three types of barrier were identified: (i) people's own perceptions of need and reluctance to seek treatment, (ii) perceptions and experiences of primary care and (iii) experiences of treatment in secondary care. Pessimism about availability of treatments, and concerns about effectiveness and risks of surgery, made older people reluctant to seek medical help. Such views were often confirmed by GPs. Some of those referred to a hospital specialist were told that they were too young or too mobile for surgery. Conclusion. Barriers to treatment and unmet need for joint replacement exist in the UK, particularly amongst older people.