OA-AID
Digital coping tools and digital follow-up for patients with knee osteoarthritis
Project managers
PhD fellow
ABOUT THE PROJECT
SUB-STUDY A
There is no treatment that can cure osteoarthritis. The latest treatment recommendations provide strong advice on self-management programs, information, exercise and weight control as basic treatment for all osteoarthritis patients. Patients should be well informed about surgical and non-surgical treatment options. They should also know something about the advantages and disadvantages of the different treatment options. This is important so that the patient and the therapist can make an informed choice about further treatment (shared decision-making).
There is limited time to provide all this information during a consultation. There is therefore a need to develop tools that can provide patients with tailored information in advance of the consultation.
In this project, we have developed an app (the Genus app) that gives patients access to informational and training videos, quizzes and questionnaires over 8 weeks. Patients also receive feedback on their progress along the way.
Our hypothesis is that such an app can ensure that patients have knowledge of the various treatment recommendations before they come for a consultation. In addition, it can improve communication and joint decision-making about further treatment during the consultation. The app has been tested in a pilot study with 20 participants. This study has shown good results. We are now testing the effect of the app in a randomized controlled study with 225 participants.
SUBSTUDY B
The usual follow-up after total knee replacement surgery at Diakonhjemmet Hospital is to see a physiotherapist after 2 and 12 months. Most patients have a good result from knee replacement surgery. They will generally do well with the follow-up they receive in primary health care. For some, follow-up in specialist health care will still be appropriate.
Digital home monitoring can help identify those who need physical follow-up. Those who are functioning well can then remain at home. This will save both patients and the healthcare system from unnecessary consultations. It can also allow patients who actually need help to get access more quickly.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Both studies have now been initiated.
Patients with knee osteoarthritis who are referred for assessment at Diakonhjemmet Hospital are eligible for participation in substudy A.
In substudy B, patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery at the hospital are eligible for participation.
In both studies, it is important that participants are proficient in using a mobile phone.
WHAT DOES THE STUDY MEAN FOR PATIENTS?
SUB-STUDY A
Patients will fill out a questionnaire before being randomly assigned to one of two groups.
One group (the intervention group) will have access to an 8-week digital information and training intervention through the Genus app. They will have access to the app between referral and consultation in the specialist health service. They will also answer questions about their health status and any complaints after 4 and 8 weeks. Through this, healthcare professionals can see how the condition develops over time.
The second group (the control group) will follow current practice. That is, they will not receive any services from the specialist health service in the period between referral and consultation. We will, among other things, measure the participants' level of knowledge about treatment recommendations for knee osteoarthritis and the degree of shared choice regarding further treatment.
Link to registration in ClinicalTrials.gov is here
USER GUIDE FOR THE GENUS APP: Here you will find the user information
SUBSTUDY B
Patients who are eligible for total knee replacement will complete a questionnaire before surgery before being randomly assigned to two groups.
One group (the control group) will be followed up as usual with a check-up with a physiotherapist at the hospital after 2 and 12 months.
The second group (the digital home follow-up group) will be sent questionnaires after 1, 2 and 3 months. The answers in these questionnaires will be assessed by a physiotherapist. This physiotherapist will contact patients who do not have a desired course.
Participants in both groups will complete questionnaires after 2, 6 and 12 months. All participants, regardless of which group they belong to, are encouraged to contact the hospital or emergency room if any acute events should occur.