None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The overall project aim is to investigate the effectiveness of adding an expert-moderated, peer-to-peer online support group (OSG) to an information website for people with clinically diagnosed knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study will investigate the feasibility of conducting the RCT by exploring fidelity (to trial and intervention protocols), satisfaction and engagement with the planned interventions, outcomes and costs. The primary objective will be to determine the feasibility of delivering the intervention in a trial setting and of recruiting and retaining participants. In terms of outcome measures, we will explore the impact of the intervention on psychological determinants that can explain self-management and lifestyle behaviour change. We will also measure behaviour and health outcomes as part of the feasibility assessment. The study will include two nested qualitative studies that will explore the type and content of posts, and the perceptions and experiences of participants in the OSG. We will conduct a two-arm, pragmatic parallel-design randomised controlled pilot trial (RCT) in 60 volunteers (20 in control group, 40 in intervention group) from around Australia who have clinical knee OA. The study will be run from the Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine at the University of Melbourne.
Interventions
Intervention group: Participants in this group will be provided access to a bespoke expert-moderated, peer-to-peer online support group (OSG), in addition to being given details of the My Joint Pain website.
The OSG will focus on providing peer-to-peer support through discussion forums. It will also provide evidence-based information posts and advice from ‘expert’ health professional(s) who have been trained, are culturally sensitive and who support a belief in the ability of people with knee
Intervention group: Participants in this group will be provided access to a bespoke expert-moderated, peer-to-peer online support group (OSG), in addition to being given details of the My Joint Pain website. The OSG will focus on providing peer-to-peer support through discussion forums. It will also provide evidence-based information posts and advice from ‘expert’ health professional(s) who have been trained, are culturally sensitive and who support a belief in the ability of people with knee OA to learn self-management skills. The ‘expert’ will also moderate posts and remove inappropriate posts (such as product advertising) or posts with offensive tone or language. The 'expert moderator' will be a pool of people. Anyone who carries out the 'expert moderator' tasks will have expertise in knee OA management and the written communication skills required for role. They will all be staff members of the Centre for Health Exercise and Sports Medicine. Where specific expertise from a physiotherapist is required, a moderator with a physiotherapy background will provide the response. Participants may engage with the OSG as much or as little as they like but will be requested to log in at least once. Quantity and quality of engagement with the OSG and website will be assessed using a combination of analytics (i.e. time spent on the forum, number of posts during first 3 months, number of posts during second 3 months), survey and qualitative interviews. The My Joint Pain website is a freely available information website developed and maintained by Arthritis Australia: https://www.myjointpain.org.au/ . This website has been developed for Australian users and provides up to date information about OA management including general information and services available, a risk assessment tool, and a management planning tool.
Sponsors
The University of Melbourne
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Educational / counselling / training
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
45 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Participants may be eligible for the study if they meet all inclusion criteria below: Inclusion criteria i) Aged greater or equal to 45 years; ii) Clinical diagnosis of knee OA: a) Activity-related knee pain b) No morning joint-related stiffness, or morning stiffness that lasts no longer than 30 minutes iii) Report knee pain on most days of the past month; iv) Experienced knee pain for 3 months or more; v) Have access to and uses, or is willing to use the internet at least once a week vi) Prepared to engage in OSG if randomised to that group vii) Able to give informed consent regarding willingness to be randomised and to participate fully in the assessment procedures.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria i) Previous knee replacement on affected knee, or on the waiting list for knee surgery ii) Unable to speak English or unable to read English; iii) Self-reported diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis; iv) Currently participating in an arthritis support group; v) Other serious medical condition or upcoming medical procedures that in the opinion of the research staff and/or investigators would preclude participation;
Outcome results
None listed