Collaborative Care by Pharmacists and Physiotherapists for Early Knee Osteoarthritis Management

What this Trial Is About

Osteoarthritis OA of the knee is a slowly progressing chronic condition linked to aging, causing joint pain. Early-stage OA often goes unreported to doctors, with patients frequently seeking over-the-counter remedies from pharmacies. This study aims to use community pharmacists accessibility to support patients with early knee OA through education, self-management, and exercise, as there are currently no treatments that modify the disease itself. The study compares usual care to a pharmacist-physiotherapist collaborative intervention. Pharmacists will identify patients with knee pain and enroll those aged 50 or older experiencing knee pain or stiffness for at least one month. Participants are randomized to either receive usual care, which includes basic pharmacist advice and education, or an intervention involving a comprehensive pharmacist assessment, medication review, shared decision-making on drug therapy, and referral to physiotherapy. Physiotherapy includes a 6-week neuromuscular exercise program and group education sessions. Participants will complete baseline assessments covering symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and self-management abilities. Follow-up evaluations occur at 3 and 6 months to measure disease-specific outcomes and patient activation. Pharmacists and physiotherapists will monitor progress and provide education. The study tracks effectiveness of the collaborative approach in managing early knee OA over the study period ending in 2027, with participant involvement including questionnaires, medication reviews, and physiotherapy sessions as applicable.

Pharmacist-physiotherapist Collaborative Management for Early Knee Osteoarthritis