Task Shifting in the Care for Patients With Hand Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis Both Hands
About this trial
This is an interventional health services research trial for Osteoarthritis Both Hands
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Hand osteoarthritis diagnosed by physician in primary care, referred for consultation in specialist health care, and ability to communicate in Norwegian.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Exclusion criteria were cognitive or mental impairment, possible inflammatory rheumatic disease (SR>40 or CRP>20, or patient confirming having psoriasis during telephone screening).
Sites / Locations
- Diakonhjemmet Hospital
- National resource center for rehabilitation in rheumatology
- Martina Hansens Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Experimental
Control
Intervention
Patients in the control group will receive their first consultation in specialist health care by a rheumatologist. Rheumatologist-led care comprises confirmation of diagnosis, information about hand osteoarthritis and symptom modifying medication, and, for some patients, Intra-articular injection of long-acting Corticosteroid. The rheumatologist may also refer participants to occupational therapy if needed.
Patients in the intervention group will receive their first consultation in specialist health care by an occupational therapy specialist. Occupational therapist-led care comprises confirmation of diagnosis, information about hand osteoarthritis and symptom modifying medication, teaching of hand exercises and ergonomic working methods, and, for some patients, provision assistive devices and orthoses/splints. The occupational therapist will refer patients to a short rheumatologist consultation if confirmation of diagnosis or intra-articular injections of long-acting Corticosteroid are needed.