An evidence-based tailored eHealth patient education tool for patients with knee osteoarthritis: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Osteoarthritis is a common and disabling condition that places heavy burden to individuals and healthcare systems. Patient education is a facilitator in the treatment decision making process, aiming to develop a treatment plan for the disease management. Electronic health (eHealth) is an alternative forum for the delivery of patient education and given the prevailing of eHealth in healthcare, introducing patient education programs using the technology has the potential to improve patient engagement, self-management and outcomes in patients with osteoarthritis. The study will evaluate the efficacy of eHealth patient education tool on patients’ perception of knee osteoarthritis and treatment options, satisfaction and compliance to treatments.

Methods

This study is a prospective randomized controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation in two groups. We will recruit 216 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis from the outpatient physiatry/physiotherapy clinic at West China Hospital, Sichuan University in Southwest China. Both groups will receive usual care and additionally, the intervention group will use eHealth patient education tool during the process. Measurements will be taken at baseline, post-intervention, 1 month, 3- and 6-months follow-up. Primary outcome will be patients’ knowledge about disease and treatment options, measured by the validated osteoarthritis patient knowledge questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include patients’ satisfaction with the consultation, the eHealth patient education tool, and their trust of the physiotherapist.

Discussion

The eHealth patient education tool is designed to provide participants with an innovative model of care delivery and this trial will assess the efficacy of the tool and whether this new model of patient education will have the potential to increase patient knowledge and empower self-management. Results collected from this study will further inform future research employing eHealth tool as interventions for the management of a range of other chronic conditions and help participants in communities or rural areas having the equal access to health care services.