Assessment of Mobile Health Applications for Management of Knee and/or Hip Osteoarthritis Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale

Efficacy of a Novel Telehealth Application in Health Behavior Modification and Symptomology in Military Service Members at Risk for Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis

INTRODUCTION

Mobile applications (apps) may be beneficial to promote self-management strategies to mitigate the risk of developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis in military members following a traumatic knee injury. This study investigated the efficacy of a mobile app in facilitating behavior modification to improve function and symptomology among military members.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a preliminary pre and post hoc analysis of a randomized control trial. The MARX scale, Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) questionnaire, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritic Outcome Score Readiness to Manage Osteoarthritis Questionnaire were completed at baseline, 6-week, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up. Participants in the treatment arm completed the System Usability Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Wilcoxon sum of ranks test, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Cohen's d effect size.

RESULTS

A total of 28 participants were included. Between-group differences for baseline and 6-week follow-up were significantly improved in the injured knee ICOAP constant pain score for the treatment group (treatment: -4.2 ± 12, 95% CI: -11.5, 3.1; control: 5.5 ± 9.9, 95% CI: 0.9, 10.1; P = .035, effect size = 0.905). Within-group differences for baseline and 6-week follow-up demonstrated a significant decline in the injured knee ICOAP constant pain score among the control group (signed-rank: 16.0, P = .031, Cohen's d = 0.339). No other significant differences were observed. A good System Usability Scale score for usability was found (76.6 ± 8.8).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that the mobile app is easy to use and may contribute to improved constant pain symptomology for patients at risk for post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

Virtual Tools to Enable Management of Knee Osteoarthritis

Purpose of review

There is increasing recognition that virtual tools, enabled by the internet and telecommunications technology, can increase access to health care. We review evidence about the clinical effectiveness and acceptability of telephone-delivered and videoconferencing clinician consultations, websites and internet-delivered programs, and SMS and mobile applications in enabling the management of people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). We discuss barriers to using virtual tools and suggest strategies to facilitate implementation in clinical settings.

Recent findings

An increasing number of systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials provide evidence showing the effectiveness of virtual tools for improving knee OA management. Qualitative research shows that virtual tools increase patient access to knee OA care, are generally acceptable and convenient for patients, but can be associated with barriers to use from patient and clinician perspectives.

Summary

Virtual tools offer new opportunities to enable people with knee OA to manage their condition and receive care that may otherwise be difficult or not possible to access. Telephone calls and videoconferencing can be used for real-time synchronous consultations between clinicians and patients, increasing the geographic reach of health services. Websites and internet-based programs can be used to educate patients about their condition, as well as deliver exercise, weight management, and psychological interventions. Mobile apps can monitor and track OA symptoms, exercise, and physical activity, while SMS can facilitate positive behaviour changes for self-management over the long-term when sustained clinician contact may not be possible.

Anti-racist strategies for clinical and translational research: Design, implementation, and lessons learned from a new course

Translational research should examine racism and bias and improve health equity. We designed and implemented a course for the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation program of the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. We describe curriculum development, content, outcomes, and revisions involving 36 students in 2 years of "Anti-Racist Strategies for Clinical and Translational Science." Ninety-six percent of students reported they would recommend the course. Many reported changes in research approaches based on course content. A course designed to teach anti-racist research design is feasible and has a positive short-term impact on learners.