Over halfway through the recruitment for PICASSO
An important milestone has been reached in the PICASSO study, the largest of its kind. Over 200 participants have now been included – and with that the project is well over halfway to its inclusion goal. The study compares different treatments for painful osteoarthritis of the thumb's root joint.
– This is very good news. We have gained momentum in recruitment and see that the collaboration between the hospitals is working well, says project manager Ida K. Bos-Haugen, consultant at Diakonhjemmet Hospital.
Three treatments
The PICASSO study is a randomized controlled multicenter study in which researchers are investigating the effects of three different treatments for osteoarthritis of the thumb's root joint: cortisone injection, saline injection (placebo), and a targeted occupational therapy program.
A total of 354 people will be included, and the first 200 are now on board.
– We would like to extend a big thank you to both the participants and everyone who contributes to recruitment and implementation. There is a lot of hard work behind these figures, says Marthe Gløersen, physician and postdoctoral fellow at Diakonhjemmet Hospital.
Six hospitals participate
The study is led by REMEDY – Research Center for Musculoskeletal Health at Diakonhjemmet Hospital, but is also recruiting participants from:
- Martina Hansen's Hospital
- Haugesund Health Association's Rheumatism Hospital
- Stavanger University Hospital
- St. Olav's Hospital
- Nordland Hospital in Bodø
– This is one of the largest treatment studies on osteoarthritis in Norway, and we hope the results will benefit both patients and clinicians, says Bos-Haugen.
The PICASSO study is open to people with pain in the thumb root joint who have not recently received injection treatment. Treatment is done by drawing lots, and participants are followed up closely for 6 months and with a final check after 2 years.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about PICASSO on our website!
