TOPS: Thumb Osteoarthritis Prognosis for Supported Self-management
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Outcome and Prognosis of Supported Self-management in Thumb Base Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Cohort Study
IRAS ID
324356
Contact name
Victoria Jansen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals of Derby & Burton NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 7 months, 15 days
Research summary
Background
Thumb base osteoarthritis (OA) is common in people 40 years and over. It affects a person’s ability to work, be independent and care for others. Sufferers complain of severe pain and difficulty in completing everyday tasks. The main treatment for the condition is advice on how to manage their condition (self-management), reduce their pain, strengthen their hands with exercises and practical tips on tackling painful tasks. The treatment is provided by occupational and physiotherapists.We know that this treatment helps suffers in the short term (up to three months). But the research was done in people with few other health problems and while self-management support helps provide pain relief for most people, there are some people who don’t benefit. The aim of this research is to see how pain and other hand problems change over a period of six months after the start of treatment, to understand people’s experience of care, and examine why some people improve, and some do not.
Research Plan
In all patients receiving treatment for thumb base OA at four NHS sites, who are willing to take part, this research will:
1. Record changes in symptoms and quality of life at three and six months from when treatment began in a postal questionnaire/survey.
2. Discuss the experience of care and people’s beliefs about what makes treatment a success by interviewing a small group of patients
3. Analyse patient characteristics, to see if it is possible to determine how they will respond to treatment.
4. Develop recommendations for improving care.Burden
The questionnaires required will take approximatively 30 minutes to complete (at three time points). The treatment given is usual NHS care for thumb base OA and will not present any additional risks.Benefits
The study will help researchers investigate ways of improving the care of people with thumb base OA in the future.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/YH/0113
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion