OACareTools+ for Osteoarthritis

(OACareTools Trial)

Overseen By Katie Huffman

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Disqualifiers: Non-English speaking

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a new program, OACareTools+, can help doctors refer more arthritis patients to a walking program called Walk With Ease. By using this tool, healthcare providers may have better resources and support to recommend this exercise program, potentially improving arthritis management for patients. Patients referred to Walk With Ease and who complete the program will be asked to provide feedback. The trial seeks patients referred to Walk With Ease by a doctor at the UNC pilot clinic who are willing to be interviewed afterward. As an unphased trial, this study offers patients the opportunity to contribute to innovative approaches in arthritis care.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the OACareTools+ intervention is safe for healthcare providers and patients?

A previous study tested OACareTools+ as a tool for healthcare providers. This tool assists doctors and nurses in referring arthritis patients to the Walk With Ease program. Since OACareTools+ is not a medicine or treatment, it lacks the safety concerns associated with drugs. Instead, it aims to enhance healthcare delivery.

No reports of problems or safety issues have emerged with OACareTools+, suggesting it is safe to use. The tool emphasizes education and support rather than direct medical treatments. Therefore, participating in a trial using OACareTools+ is unlikely to pose any safety risks. ¹

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about OACareTools+ because it offers a fresh approach to managing osteoarthritis by enhancing patient and provider interactions. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on medications and physical therapies, OACareTools+ integrates a digital platform to streamline the referral process to programs like Walk With Ease. This approach not only equips healthcare providers with targeted training and resources but also empowers patients by simplifying access to effective exercise programs. By fostering a more cohesive connection between patients and providers, OACareTools+ aims to improve overall treatment experiences and outcomes in osteoarthritis care.

What evidence suggests that OACareTools+ is effective for increasing referrals to the Walk With Ease program?

Research has shown that the OACareTools+ program, provided to healthcare providers in this trial, helps doctors and nurses refer more patients with osteoarthritis to the Walk With Ease program. This toolkit offers educational materials and resources to manage osteoarthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness. Studies have found that when healthcare providers focus on recognizing and managing osteoarthritis symptoms, patients experience better health outcomes. By increasing referrals to the Walk With Ease program, patients can benefit from exercise routines proven to reduce pain and improve movement. Early findings suggest that when healthcare providers use these resources, patients are more likely to join the program and see improvements in their condition. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Leigh Callahan, PhD

Principal Investigator

UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 with arthritis who have been referred to the Walk With Ease program by a healthcare provider at the UNC pilot clinic. Participants must agree to a post-program interview and be English-speaking. Healthcare providers or staff at the clinic are also eligible.

Inclusion Criteria

Healthcare provider participants must currently be a healthcare provider or staff person in the UNC pilot clinic

I am over 18, referred to Walk With Ease by a UNC clinic, and agreed to a phone interview.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Provider Training

Healthcare providers receive training on OACareTools+ and resources for referring patients to Walk With Ease

1 session

Referral and Patient Participation

Providers use study resources to refer patients to Walk With Ease; patients participate in the program and provide feedback

6 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for feedback on the intervention's acceptability and feasibility

12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• OACareTools+

Trial Overview The study tests OACareTools+, an intervention aimed at helping primary care providers refer patients with arthritis to the Walk With Ease program, which includes education, patient resources, and support from a national organization.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Patients Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

A subset of patients who are referred through OACareTools+ by their provider and participate in Walk With Ease will provide feedback on their experience with the referral process to Walk With Ease.

Group II: Healthcare providers Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Healthcare providers will receive the intervention, OACareTools+, which involves a training session on, patient resources about, and provider referral to Walk With Ease.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,588

Recruited

4,364,000+

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Collaborator

Trials

902

Recruited

25,020,000+

Citations

1. oaaction.unc.edu oaaction.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/623/2020/11/OACareTools-Final-Report.pdf

Osteoarthritis Prevention and Management in Primary Care ... Purpose: The purpose of this project was to engage healthcare providers in primary care nationwide to recognize the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis ...

2. oaaction.unc.edu oaaction.unc.edu/oacaretools/

OACareTools - Osteoarthritis Action Alliance This toolkit aims to support healthcare providers, employers, and adults in reducing the burden of osteoarthritis, a painful and costly disease.

3. withpower.com withpower.com/clinical-trials/for-arthritis-near-raleigh-nc

Top Arthritis Clinical Trials near Raleigh, NC | Power The purpose of this pilot study is to test OACareTools+, an intervention for healthcare providers that combines education, patient resources and support from a ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10565839/

Evaluating Osteoarthritis Management Programs: outcome ... The better management of patients with osteoarthritis program: outcomes after evidence-based education and exercise delivered nationwide in Sweden. PLoS One ...

5. trials.arthritis.org trials.arthritis.org/?_ga=2.30625727.1041505448.1550700145-1568121850.1546633598&page=83&utm_campaign=Clinical-Trial-Finder&utm_medium=post&utm_source=blog

Filters - Clinical Trial Finder - Arthritis Foundation The purpose of this pilot study is to test OACareTools+, an intervention for healthcare providers that combines education, patient resources and support from a ...