Implementing a digital self-management tool within an orthopaedic knee pathway: a mixed-methods feasibility study

Description

Why are we carrying out this project?

Knee osteoarthritis is a common joint condition. It causes symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Patients with severe pain may see a specialist (orthopaedic surgeon). The specialist may offer advice on strategies like exercise. They may also offer the option of a total knee replacement operation.

In a previous study, we developed a ‘Virtual Knee School’ website. The website provides information and an exercise plan for patients having a knee replacement. To make the Virtual Knee School available to NHS patients, we have partnered with a company called ‘getUBetter’. getUBetter provide an app (digital tool) to help patients self-manage conditions like osteoarthritis.

We recently added two new modules to getUBetter app based on the Virtual Knee School. The getUBetter knee pathway with the new modules could benefit patients. For example, by helping them to exercise. However, we have not yet tested the knee pathway in a research study. So we do not know if it is possible and acceptable to give it to patients.

What is our aim?

We aim to find out if it is possible and acceptable to give the getUBetter app knee pathway to patients receiving specialist care for knee osteoarthritis. The study is a ‘feasibility’ study. This means it is a small study. It will help us decide if and how to carry out a bigger study of the app.

What will we do?

We will recruit 30 adults receiving specialist care for knee osteoarthritis. We will give them the getUBetter app knee pathway and ask them to:

• Use the app as much or as little as they wish.
• Fill in a questionnaire at the start of the study.
• Fill in a second questionnaire six weeks later.

We will also:

• Record any safety concerns.
• Collect information about the study processes.
• Interview 10 to 20 participants.

How are we working with patients and the public?

We have set up a Patient and Public Involvement group with seven members. The group is playing a key role in this study. For example, members reviewed the study plan and documents. They also gave feedback on the new app modules. This has helped make sure the plan, documents and modules meet patients’ needs. The members are part of the advisory group that is overseeing the study. They will also help share the study findings.

Video transcripts

Funding acknowledgement
This research is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) HealthTech Research Centre in Accelerated Surgical Care and a LASER Small Project Bursary. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. The research is also being supported by getUBetter, including through the provision of their self-management app getUBetter

Image acknowledgement
The image on this page is by Ageing Better and Independent Age via the Centre for Ageing Better.

Impact

This study will help us decide if and how to carry a bigger study of the getUBetter app. This will allow us to improve the app before a possible bigger study. This means the app will be more likely to benefit patients. Possible benefits include:

• Reducing patients’ knee pain.
• Improving patients’ overall wellbeing.
• Addressing unfair differences in health.
• Reducing NHS costs.

The findings will also help us plan a possible bigger study. This will help make sure we can deliver the study, and it focuses on what matters to patients.

Publications and outputs

Virtual Knee School development paper

getUBetter app paper