This ‘proven case study’ sets out how work to improve the management of chronic joint pain by implementing a group rehabilitation programme that integrated education, self-management and exercise, led to better clinical outcomes, cost benefits, improved quality of care and patient experience.

The evidence-based rehabilitation programme, ‘Enabling Self-management and Coping for Arthritic pain through Exercise’ (ESCAPE-pain), combines education, self-management and coping advice with an exercise regimen tailored to address each patient’s needs. Clinicians at Sevenoaks District General Hospital, Kent were trained to deliver the programme, having observed sessions elsewhere. A senior clinician acted as a champion to implement the programme with buy-in from the manager.