Novel Uses of Technology for Individuals With Mild to Moderate Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis: The Technology, Exercise Programming, and Activity Prescription for Enhanced Mobility (TEAM) Study

Signals

Detailed Summary

Many individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) (up to 45%) are referred to an orthopaedic surgeon for a joint replacement prematurely or will not be candidates for surgery. These individuals need appropriate (non-operative) care to help reduce their pain and enhance their mobility. We are studying the use of innovative technology to help physicians give physical activity advice for patients to become more active and provide free online resources to help patients understand OA self-management and exercise, especially when they have barriers to accessing formal care. Individuals with OA that are referred to a specialized clinic will receive one of three interventions: usual care (handout on resources), a physical activity prescription by a doctor, or the prescription and a link to a free web-based platform (website) on non-operative management of OA with patient education and exercise videos. Our goal is to help with non-operative management strategies to improve quality of life, reduce pain, improve mobility, and possibly delay or prevent a joint replacement. Osteoarthritis is a condition where people feel joint pain or stiffness. Joints are the body parts where two bones join together with softer material (cartilage) between them. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage wears down. It is the biggest cause for disability worldwide. Helping people with osteoarthritis starts with education, physical activity, and physiotherapy. Doctors can also prescribe braces, injections or medications. For severe osteoarthritis when nothing else helps, surgery can be done to replace the joint. Doctors often refer patients for surgery too soon. Skipping steps of care may mean unnecessary surgery and longer wait times. The Musculoskeletal Rapid Access Clinic (now called Clinic) in London was set up to solve these problems. They screen patients before referring them to a surgeon, and do not refer almost half of patients. Our goal is to support these patients with new ways to make their non-surgical treatment better. The first way is through physical activity 'prescription'. It works well for other chronic conditions and patients say it helps. We don't know how well it works for people with osteoarthritis. Most doctors have little time, training or experience for prescribing physical activity. Technology can make it easier for doctors and patients. We have designed a tool to help doctors prescribe physical activity and a smartphone app to track patient activity. We have also created a free website. This includes patient education, exercise videos, and virtual physiotherapy. This can be important for individuals who can't access in-person care.

Study Details

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Interventions