Comparing Digital and Face-to-Face First-Line Osteoarthritis Treatment Access in Urban and Rural Sweden

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how digital and face-to-face delivery of first-line osteoarthritis OA treatment compare in reaching patients across Sweden. The study aims to improve access to care for people with hip or knee OA by understanding if a digital program can increase equal access in both urban and rural areas. This observational study compares a traditional face-to-face program called Better management of patients with OsteoArthritis BOA to a newer digital version called Joint Academy JA. The digital program JA offers daily video instructions, individualized exercises, and educational information via a mobile app. Participants communicate with a physical therapist through chat and phone for supervision throughout the program. The face-to-face BOA program provides treatment at primary care clinics and has been in use since 2008. Data on patient participation from both programs during 2021-2023 will be collected and compared, including geographic factors like population density and county size. Participants postal codes and primary care center locations will be recorded to analyze treatment utilization per 100,000 residents in different regions. The study collects data from the BOA registry and JA database to assess how well each program reaches patients. The goal is to determine if digital delivery improves access and adherence compared to face-to-face care. The study runs until July 2025 and involves adults diagnosed with hip or knee OA who have consented to participate.

Can Digitally Delivered First-line Osteoarthritis Treatment Improve Equal Access to Care