Good Life with osteoArthritis in Danemark - GLA:D® - was developed by the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in 2013. The programme ensures that the best practice recommendations for the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis, i.e., patient education and exercise, are implemented. It also collects data for quality control purposes.
Three universities of applied sciences (ZHAW, HES-SO Valais-Wallis and SUPSI) and three associations (SVOMP, Swiss Rheumatic League and Swiss Association of Sports Physiotherapy) have joined forces in an interest group to offer this programme in Switzerland.
The first patients could participate in the programme GLA:D® Switzerland for osteoarthritis in 2019.
In 2018, the SDU offered a version for patients with chronic and/or recurrent low back pain based on the same principles. GLA:D® Back Switzerland is implemented in Switzerland since 2021.