Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute (ABJHI)

Obesity is a complex chronic disease with diverse health implications. Not only is obesity a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis (OA), it has an impact on bone and joint health outcomes. As obesity and OA become more common, patient experiences are integral in understanding the value of quality improvements to the health care system.

Dr. Elly Park, a postdoctoral fellow in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta, set out to better understand the patient journey by creating digital stories. The resulting narratives explore the care experiences of patients with OA and obesity assessed through the Edmonton Bone and Joint Centre, an orthopedic specialist office. With patient involvement throughout the process, the short videos give a voice to patients, focusing on what is most meaningful to them.

An overarching theme in the stories was the patients’ desire to be active and achieve an optimal quality of life, despite the challenges and barriers they faced. In some stories, financial strain due to treatments was a concern, a sentiment echoed within a recent ABJHI white paper on the state of OA care in the province. Some participants expressed feeling ‘stuck,’ abandoned, and without hope when told to lose weight to be eligible for elective joint replacement. At present, there are few evidence-based options for patients with obesity and OA.  

As digital storytelling becomes a more common tool for learning and engagement, it has the potential to transform health care by portraying patients' lived experiences. Dr. Park’s research is one of three fellowships supported by ABJHI using Music in Motion fundraising proceeds matched by the Mitacs Accelerate program.