Self-directed versus peer-supported digital self-management programmes for mental and sexual wellbeing after acquired brain injury (HOPE4ABI): protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Acquired brain injury (ABI) can lead to biopsychosocial changes such as depression, low self-esteem and fatigue. These changes can cause, and be caused by, sexual issues affecting relationships and wellbeing. Given the relationship between sexual wellbeing and mental health, it is feasible that supporting sexual wellbeing will benefit psychological wellbeing. However, neurorehabilitation is inconsistent and often fragmented across the UK, and psychological, sexual and social support are lacking. Research shows that self-management and peer-support programmes can improve quality of life, self-efficacy and psychological wellbeing after brain injury. This protocol describes a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a digital self-management programme to support mental and sexual wellbeing (known as HOPE4ABI), co-designed with and for people with ABI. METHODS: This mixed-methods feasibility RCT has two parallel trial arms of the 8-week digital HOPE4ABI self-management programme. Eligibility criteria include age > 18 years, diagnosed or suspected ABI > 3 months prior to trial entry, access to an Internet-enabled device and ability to engage with the intervention. Referrals to the study website will be made via the National Health Service (NHS), social media and partnering organisations. Sixty eligible participants will be randomised at a ratio of 1:1 to peer-supported (n = 30) or self-directed (n = 30) HOPE4ABI programmes. Primary feasibility outcomes include recruitment and retention rates, engagement, adherence and usage. Secondary outcomes related to standardised measures of quality of life, sexual wellbeing and mental wellbeing. Participants and peer facilitators will be interviewed after the course to assess acceptability across both trial arms. DISCUSSION: This feasibility trial data is not sufficiently powered for inferential statistical analyses but will provide evidence of the feasibility of a full RCT. Quantitative trial data will be analysed descriptively, and participant screening data representing age, ethnicity and gender will be presented as proportions at the group level. These data may indicate trends in reach to particular demographic groups that can inform future recruitment strategies to widen participation. Progression to a definitive trial will be justified if predetermined criteria are met, relating to recruitment, retention, engagement and acceptability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN46988394 registered on March 1, 2023.

Cropland displacement contributed 60% of the increase in carbon emissions of grain transport in China over 1990-2015.

Rapid urbanization and population growth have increased the need for grain transportation in China, as more grain is being consumed and croplands have been moved away from cities. Increased grain transportation has, in turn, led to higher energy consumption and carbon emissions. Here we undertook a model-based approach to estimate the carbon emissions associated with grain transportation in the country between 1990 and 2015. We found that emissions more than tripled, from 5.68 million tons of CO2 emission equivalent in 1990 to 17.69 million tons in 2015. Grain production displacement contributed more than 60% of the increase in carbon emissions associated with grain transport over the study period, whereas changes in grain consumption and population growth contributed 31.7% and 16.6%, respectively. Infrastructure development, such as newly built highways and railways in western China, helped offset 0.54 million tons of CO2 emission equivalent from grain transport. These findings shed light on the life cycle environmental impact within food supply chains.

Needs of parents and carers of children and young people with mental health difficulties: protocol for a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Having a child or young person (CYP) with mental health problems can be highly distressing for parents/carers. The impact can include parental/carer depression, anxiety, lost productivity and poor family relationships. Currently, there is no synthesis of this evidence, which is needed to provide clarity around what support parents/carers may need, to meet the needs of family mental health. This review aims to identify the needs of the parents/carers of CYP who are receiving mental health services. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A systematic review will be conducted to identify potentially relevant studies that provide evidence concerning the needs and impact on parents/carers linked to their CYP having mental health difficulties. CYP mental health conditions included are anxiety disorders, depression, psychoses, oppositional defiant and other externalising disorders, labels of emerging personality disorders, eating disorders and attention deficit (hyperactive) disorders. The following databases were searched on November 2022 with no date restriction applied: Medline; PsycINFO; CINAHL; AMED; EMBASE; Web of Science; Cochrane Library; WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform; Social Policy and Practice; Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts; and Open Grey. Only studies reported in English will be included. The quality of the included studies will be assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for qualitative studies and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for quantitative studies. Qualitative data will be analysed thematically and inductively. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review was approved by the ethical committee at Coventry University, UK, reference number P139611. The findings from this systematic review will be disseminated across various key stakeholders and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Help to Overcome Problems Effectively for Cancer Survivors: Development and Evaluation of a Digital Self-Management Program.

BACKGROUND: People living with cancer face numerous psychosocial challenges, including cancer-related fatigue, fear of recurrence, and depression. There is a lack of digital interventions tailored to the needs of people living with all types of cancer. We developed a 6-week, digital, peer-delivered, self-management program: iHOPE (Help to Overcome Problems Effectively; where 'i' indicates the digital version of the program). The program is underpinned by positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy to meet these psychosocial challenges. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the iHOPE program among people living with cancer. Program adherence and satisfaction along with changes in psychological distress and positive well-being were measured. METHODS: A pre-post, acceptability, and feasibility design was used. People living with cancer (N=114) were recruited via a national cancer charity in the United Kingdom and were given access to the iHOPE program. Demographic and other participant characteristics were recorded. Participants completed digital measures at baseline and the end of the 6-week program for depression, anxiety, cancer-related fatigue, cancer worry or fear of cancer recurrence, positive mental well-being, hope, gratitude, and health status. The website's system recorded data on the usage of the program. Satisfaction with the program was also measured. RESULTS: A total of 114 participants completed the baseline questionnaires. Of these, 70 people (61.4%) participated in all 6 sessions. The mean number of sessions undertaken was 5.0 (SD 1.5). Moreover, 44.7% (51/114) of participants completed at least three sessions and end-of-program outcome measures. A total of 59 participants completed the satisfaction questionnaire, where ≥90% (54/58) of participants reported that the program was easy to navigate and was well managed by the peer facilitators, and that they found the social networking tools useful. Preliminary efficacy testing among the 51 participants who completed baseline and postprogram outcome measures showed that postprogram scores decreased for depression, anxiety, cancer-related fatigue, and fear of recurrence (all P<.001) and increased for positive mental well-being (P<.001), hope (both P<.001), and gratitude (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility evidence is promising, showing that the peer-delivered digital iHOPE program is acceptable and practical. Implementation of the iHOPE program on a wider scale will incorporate further research and development to maximize the completion rates of the measures. Initial effectiveness data suggest positive impacts on important cancer-related quality of life and mental well-being outcomes. A randomized controlled trial design with a longer follow-up is needed to confirm the potential of the iHOPE program for improving mental and physical health outcomes for cancer survivors.

Health, not weight loss, focused programmes versus conventional weight loss programmes for cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a cardiovascular disease risk factor. Conventional weight loss (CWL) programmes focus on weight loss, however 'health, not weight loss, focused' (HNWL) programmes concentrate on improved health and well-being, irrespective of weight loss. What are the differences in CVD risk outcomes between these programmes? AIM: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effects of HNWL with CWL programmes on cardiovascular disease risk factors. METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ASSIA, clinical trial registers, commercial websites and reference lists for randomised controlled trials comparing the two programmes (initially searched up to August 2015 and searched updated to 5 April 2019). We used the Mantel-Haneszel fixed-effect model to pool results. Sub-group and sensitivity analyses that accounted for variations in length of follow-up, enhanced programmes and risk of bias dealt with heterogeneity. RESULTS: Eight randomised controlled trials of 20,242 potential studies were included. Improvements in total cholesterol-HDL ratio (mean difference - 0.21 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval [- 3.91, 3.50]) and weight loss (- 0.28 kg [- 2.00, 1.44]) favoured HNWL compared to CWL programmes in the long term (53-104 week follow-up), whereas improvements in systolic (- 1.14 mmHg, [- 5.84, 3.56]) and diastolic (- 0.15 mmHg, [- 3.64, 3.34]) blood pressure favoured CWL programmes. These differences did not reach statistical significance. Statistically significant improvements in body satisfaction (- 4.30 [- 8.32, - 0.28]) and restrained eating behaviour (- 4.30 [- 6.77, - 1.83]) favoured HNWL over CWL programmes. CONCLUSIONS: We found no long-term significant differences in improved CVD risk factors; however, body satisfaction and restrained eating behaviour improved more with HNWL compared to CWL programmes. Yet firm conclusions cannot be drawn from small studies with high losses to follow-up and data sometimes arising from a single small study. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42015019505.

The need for novel strategies to address postoperative pain associated with cardiac surgery: A commentary and introduction to "SMArTVIEW".

Background: With coronary heart disease affecting over 2.4 million Canadians, annual cardiac and major vascular surgery rates are on the rise. Unrelieved postoperative pain is among the top five causes of hospital readmission following surgery; little is done to address this postoperative complication. Barriers to effective pain assessment and management following cardiac and major vascular surgery have been conceptualized on patient, health care provider, and system levels. Purpose: In this commentary, we review common patient, health care provider, and system-level barriers to effective postoperative pain assessment and management following cardiac and major vascular surgery. We then outline the SMArTVIEW intervention, with particular attention to components designed to optimize postoperative pain assessment and management. Methods: In conceptualizing the SMArTVIEW intervention design, we sought to address a number of these barriers by meeting the following design objectives: (1) orchestrating a structured process for regular postoperative pain assessment and management; (2) ensuring adequate clinician preparation for postoperative pain assessment and management in the context of virtual care; and (3) enfranchising patients to become active self-managers and to work with their health care providers to manage their pain postoperatively. Conclusions: Innovative approaches to address these barriers are a current challenge to health care providers and researchers alike. SMArTVIEW is spearheading this paradigm shift within clinical research to address barriers that impair effective postoperative pain management by actively engaging health care providers and patients in an accessible format (i.e., digital health solution) to give primacy to the need of postoperative pain assessment and management following cardiac and major vascular surgery.

Contexte: Alors que la maladie cardiaque coronarienne touche plus de 2,4 millions de Canadiens, les taux annuels de chirurgie cardiaque et de chirurgie vasculaire majeure sont en augmentation. Bien que la douleur postopératoire non soulagée compte parmi les cinq principales causes de réadmission à l'hôpital après une chirurgie, peu de choses sont faites pour remédier à cette complication postopératoire. Les barrières à l'évaluation et à la prise en charge efficaces de la douleur après une chirurgie cardiaque ou une chirurgie vasculaire majeure ont été conceptualisées aux niveaux du patient, du prestataire de soins et du système.But: Dans ce commentaire, nous examinons les barrières à l'évaluation et à la prise en charge efficace de la douleur postopératoire après une chirurgie cardiaque et une chirurgie vasculaire majeure au niveau du patient, du prestataire de soins et du système. Nous présentons ensuite l'intervention SMArTVIEW, en portant une attention particulière aux composantes conçues pour optimiser l'évaluation et la prise en charge de la douleur postopératoire.Méthodes: Au moment de conceptualiser l'intervention SMArTIEW, nous avons cherché à remédier à un certain nombre de ces barrières à partir des objectifs de conception suivants : 1) orchestrer un processus structuré pour l'évaluation et la prise en charge de la douleur postopératoire régulière; 2) assurer une préparation adéquate des cliniciens pour l'évaluation et la prise en charge de la douleur postopératoire dans un contexte de soins virtuels; et 3) affranchir les patients afin qu'ils puissent activement prendre en charge leur douleur postopératoire et travailler de concert avec les prestataires de soins.Conclusions: Les approches innovantes pour remédier à ces barrières sont un défi constant, tant pour les prestataires de soins que pour les chercheurs. SMArTVIEW est à l'avant-garde de ce changement de paradigme dans la recherche clinique qui a pour but de remédier aux barrières qui nuisent à la prise en charge efficace de la douleur postopératoire en engageant activement les prestataires de soins et les patients dans un format accessible (i.e. solution de santé numérique), afin que la primauté soit accordée à la nécessité d'évaluer et de prendre en charge la douleur postopératoire après une chirurgie cardiaque ou une chirurgie vasculaire majeure.

Development and feasibility of the Help to Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE) self-management intervention for people living with multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE: To describe the development and feasibility of a self-management intervention called the Help to Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE: MS), aimed at improving the physical and psychological wellbeing of people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). METHOD: HOPE: MS is an innovative, 6-week group-based, manualised self-management intervention combining positive psychology theory and practice, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Participants (N = 21) recruited via a local East Midlands branch of the MS Society attended one of three HOPE: MS interventions and completed self-reported outcome measures in week 1 and week 6. The following outcome measures were used: The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale; Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue Severity Scale; The Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale; The Adult State Hope Scale; The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; The Positive and Negative Affect Scale. RESULTS: Post-intervention (6 weeks) mean scores decreased in the physical impact (baseline M = 65.6, SD = 17.4; 6 weeks M = 55.1, SD = 17.9, 95% CI [-4.39, -16.47] and the psychological impact of MS (baseline M = 24.0, SD = 7.3; 6 weeks M = 18.9; SD = 6.3, 95% CI [-2.54, -7.66]). There was also a decrease mean fatigue severity scores (baseline 49.4, SD = 13.3, 6 weeks M = 41.1, SD = 14.4, 95% CI [-2.65, -13.44]). There was a mean decrease in depression scores (baseline M = 6.9, SD = 3.5; 6 weeks M = 4.2, SD = 2.8, 95% CI [-1.43, -4.00]). There were smaller mean decreases in anxiety (baseline M = 7.6, SD = 3.4; 6 weeks M = 6.7 (4.0), 95% CI [0.69, -2.50]) and negative affect (baseline M = 22.9, SD = 6.8; 6 weeks M = 20.8 (8.1), 95% CI [0.69, -2.50]) refer Table 3 ). Mean MS self-efficacy scores (baseline 21.7, SD = 4.2; 6 weeks M = 24.1, SD = 4.7, 95% CI [0.23, 4.53]), mean total hope scores (baseline M = 23.3, SD = 10.7; 6 weeks M = 32.2 (10.6), 95% CI [4.91, 12.9]), hope agency scores (baseline M = 10.5, SD = 5.7; 6 weeks M = 15.7 (6.2), 95% CI [2.37, 8.01]), hope pathways (baseline M = 12.9, SD = 6.0; 6 weeks M = 16.6 (4.9), 95% CI [2.00, 5.43]) and positive affect scores increased (baseline M = 27.3, SD = 7.1; 6 months M = 32.2, SD = 8.4, 95% CI [0.42, 9.39]). Participants positively rated the intervention quality and delivery. CONCLUSIONS: This feasibility study showed that the HOPE: MS was acceptable and useful to people living with MS. Further robust evaluations using a randomised controlled trial design with longer follow ups are needed to confirm early promising results of the HOPE: MS. Implications for rehabilitation Living with MS requires constant adjustments to cope with unpredictable symptoms. Self-management interventions have the potential to help people living with MS to improve their quality of life. A feasibility study of the HOPE: MS self-management group-based intervention showed that it was acceptable and useful to people living with MS.

A process evaluation using a Self Determination Theory measure of the co-delivery of self management training by clinicians and by lay tutors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the co-delivery style of lay and clinician co-tutors of courses for patients, and courses for clinicians to support their patients' self-management skills. METHODS: Motivational style of course delivery was assessed in 37 patient course sessions and 14 clinician workshops by independent observers using four Self Determination Theory rating scales and ethnographic notes. Forty-five tutors and 35 attendees were interviewed about their experience of co-delivered courses. RESULTS: Lay and clinician tutors had similar motivational styles, with significant differences between the four motivational style scales; patient courses (F(3, 216)=3.437, p=.018); and clinician courses (F(3, 78)=3.37, p=.025). The courses were experienced as co productive in style as suggested during interviews, but adherence to manuals limited the tutors' contributions. Lay and clinician tutors scored higher on providing structure and engaging participants than they scored on supporting autonomous decision making and involvement. CONCLUSION: Co-delivery was a successful model, affording opportunities to demonstrate co-production skills. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: There is more scope to enable lay and clinician tutors to use their respective expertise in supporting self-management, and for tutor training to encourage a less didactic delivery style.

Perceptions and experiences of co-delivery model for self-management training for clinicians working with patients with long-term conditions at three healthcare economies in U.K.

This paper presents a case study evaluation of self-management training courses for clinicians working with patients with COPD and Depression, at three NHS sites in United Kingdom. These courses were part of the Health Foundation's Co-Creating Health Initiative project and were co-delivered by a trained patient and clinician tutors. Interviews with 30 clinician attendees, four clinician tutors and two patient tutors suggested that the course content and delivery style were valued by everyone and clinicians reported a higher use of self-management skills following training. Analyses of the video-recorded consultation sessions of two trained clinicians showed limited use of co-production skills.

Hope is key to recovery.

With increasing numbers of people surviving cancer, there is a need to focus on how they can be supported once they have completed treatment.

Development and psychometric properties of a self report measure to assess clinicians' practices in self management support for patients with long term conditions.

OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a process of developing practices in self management support (PSMS) - a measure assessing clinicians' self reported use of self management support practices in clinical consultations for patients with long term conditions (LTCs). METHODS: The development process comprised the following steps: literature review to define what skills clinicians need to effectively support patients to self manage, review of existing measures of SMS practices, construction of an initial pool of items, E Delphi study pilot survey to select items for final measure, data collection to confirm the factor structure and internal consistency of the final measure. RESULTS: The PSMS comprises three subscales: Clinical SMS (14 items), Patient Centeredness (4 items) and Organizational SMS (7 items). All subscales have very good internal reliability (Cronbach α: 0.94, 0.78 and 0.85; all item-total correlations above 0.50). CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: We believe PSMS measure is suitable for both research and programme evaluation in UK clinical settings. To complete the process of measure development we are now planning to conduct further analyses to establish the validity of PSMS measure in UK and non UK healthcare settings and test the validity of PSMS measure on a wider range of other LTC groups.

MoSeS: Modelling and Simulation for e-Social Science.

MoSeS (Modelling and Simulation for e-Social Science) is a research node of the National Centre for e-Social Science. MoSeS uses e-Science techniques to execute an events-driven model that simulates discrete demographic processes; this allows us to project the UK population 25 years into the future. This paper describes the architecture, simulation methodology and latest results obtained by MoSeS.

Understanding metaphor to facilitate emotional expression during a chronic disease self-management course.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to understand emotional expression as an element of the chronic disease self-management course (CDSMC). METHODS: Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to analyse a qualitative interview data set in which 10 lay-tutors described their perceptions of emotional expression during a CDSMC. The accounts were used to develop an interpretive phenomenological account. RESULTS: Tutors suggest that people on a CDSMC are often unaware of their own emotional state and lack the vocabulary for expression. Tutors use metaphorical language to help Course participants to identify their own feelings and construct meaning of their illness experiences. 'Off-loading' and 'feeling blue' are used to help them find the expressions to talk about their emotions and release their feelings. CONCLUSION: Tutors use metaphoric terms as a framework for the understanding of emotional states that Course participants often find 'difficult to label'. The analogous structure of metaphor helps with the understanding of inner feelings and provides expressive phrases for dialogue that can lead to emotional relief. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study provides important considerations that could be applied when training CDSMC tutors to help facilitate emotional understanding and expression.

A randomised controlled trial of lay-led self-management for people with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Course (CDSMC) on people with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: 2-group, randomised, controlled trial with Intervention Group (IG) and Waiting-List Control Group (WLCG). Additional data were collected from a Comparison Group (CG) who chose not to attend the CDSMC. Participants completed baseline questionnaires; IG participants attended the CDSMC immediately; all participants were assessed at 4-months and 12-months. RESULTS: 216 baseline questionnaires were returned; 73% were female, mean age 51.1 years, mean disease duration 12.0 years. Results showed that the CDSMC had an impact on self-management self-efficacy (ES 0.30, p=0.009 for the IG) and MSIS physical status (ES 0.12 for the IG, p=0.005). There were no other statistically significant changes. However, trends towards improvement on depression (ES 0.21 for the IG, p=0.05) and MS self-efficacy (ES 0.16 for the IG, p=0.04) were noted. All improvements were maintained at 12-months. At baseline, CG participants were older, had longer disease duration (p<0.01) and less anxiety (p=0.009) compared to RCT participants. CONCLUSION: The CDSMC provides some small positive effects for people with MS. Motivation to attend may be linked to psychological distress and disease duration. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The CDSMC may be of value for those with mild anxiety/depression who need extra support. Attendance early in the disease course is recommended.

Randomised controlled trial of a lay-led self-management programme for Bangladeshi patients with chronic disease.

BACKGROUND: Reducing the impact of chronic disease in minority ethnic groups is an important public health challenge. Lay-led education may overcome cultural and language barriers that limit the effectiveness of professionally-led programmes. We report the first randomised trial of a lay-led self-management programme - the Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme (CDSMP) (Expert Patient Programme) - in a south Asian group. AIM: To determine the effectiveness of a culturally-adapted lay-led self-management programme for Bangladeshi adults with chronic disease. DESIGN OF STUDY: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Tower Hamlets, east London. METHOD: We recruited Bangladeshi adults with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease or arthritis from general practices and randomised them to the CDSMP or waiting-list control. Self-efficacy (primary outcome), self-management behaviour, communication with clinician, depression scores, and healthcare use were assessed by blinded interviewer-administered questionnaires in Sylheti before randomisation and 4 months later. RESULTS: Of the 1363 people invited, 476 (34%) agreed to take part and 92% (439/476) of participants were followed up. The programme improved self-efficacy (difference: 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.08 to 1.25) and self-management behaviour (0.53; 95% CI = 0.01 to 1.06). In the 51% (121/238) of intervention participants attending three or more of the 6-weekly education sessions the programme led to greater improvements in self-efficacy (1.47; 95% CI = 0.50 to 1.82) and self-management behaviour (1.16; 95% CI = 0.50 to 1.82), and reduced HADS depression scores (0.64; 95% CI = 0.07 to 1.22). Communication and healthcare use were not significantly different between groups. The programme cost pound123 (181) per participant. CONCLUSION: A culturally-adapted CDSMP improves self-efficacy and self-care behaviour in Bangladeshi patients with chronic disease. Effects on health status were marginal. Benefits were limited by moderate uptake and attendance.

Self-management training for people with chronic disease: a shared learning experience.

The lay-led, Chronic Disease Self-Management Course (CDSMC) is designed to train people in self-management. The present study focused on the experiences of a group of participants attending the CDSMC. Data were collected via interviews with nine participants four months and twelve months after attending the CDSMC. Results showed that participants appreciated the opportunity to share experiences in a reassuring environment. Goal setting was critical in making changes. The CDSMC provided participants with the confidence to select the self-management technique that would meet their needs at a given point in time.

Self-management approaches for people with chronic conditions: a review.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of self-management approaches for people with chronic conditions. The literature reviewed was assessed in terms of the nature of the self-management approach and the effectiveness. Findings are discussed under the headings of: chronic conditions targeted, country where intervention was based, type of approach (e.g. format, content, tutor, setting), outcomes and effectiveness. The last of these focused on reports of randomised controlled studies.

Play Hurt, Live Hurt: Living with and Managing Osteoarthritis from the Perspective of Ex-professional Footballers.

Personal accounts of living with osteoarthritis (OA) are rare and qualitative research has focused mainly on the experiences of women. As yet no studies have focused solely on the experience of men living with OA. The primary focus of this study was the experience of living with OA from the perspective of ex-professional footballers in the UK using semi-structured interviews with interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants identified the cause of their OA to be associated with aspects of their playing career. Living with OA involved pain, surgery, medication and restricted mobility. Feelings of frustration were often associated with disruption to work, social and leisure activities. Participants' experiences and memories of playing professional football were important in helping them manage the threat of the disease. The findings have provided an insight into the experience of ex-professional footballers as they seek to accommodate to a life of pain, disability and functional impairment.