Studies in primary care settings demonstrate that nurses are key assessors of and coordinators in managing their OA patients’ care.37, 39, 45 There are programs and protocols designed specifically for OA that define screening tools for uniformly collecting patient data,46provide models for treatment, and promote the integration of interventions among various health care providers.45, 47 Self-report instruments such as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Health Assessment Questionnaire, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-Item Health Survey are validated tools that can provide important information for assessingoutcomes in OA.46 Helping patients accept their disease and encouraging them to actively participate in the care process are essential. It is also important to identify patients who are hiding their symptoms from health care professionals and trying to self-manage their problems. In addition to all of these responsibilities, orthopedic nurses must also actively engage in pre- and postoperative care.48-50