OACareTools+ for Osteoarthritis

(OACareTools Trial)

This trial aims to determine if a new program, OACareTools+, can help doctors refer more arthritis patients to a walking program called Walk With Ease. By using this tool, healthcare providers may have better resources and support to recommend this exercise program, potentially improving arthritis management for patients. Patients referred to Walk With Ease and who complete the program will be asked to provide feedback. The trial seeks patients referred to Walk With Ease by a doctor at the UNC pilot clinic who are willing to be interviewed afterward. As an unphased trial, this study offers patients the opportunity to contribute to innovative approaches in arthritis care.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

A previous study tested OACareTools+ as a tool for healthcare providers. This tool assists doctors and nurses in referring arthritis patients to the Walk With Ease program. Since OACareTools+ is not a medicine or treatment, it lacks the safety concerns associated with drugs. Instead, it aims to enhance healthcare delivery.

Researchers are excited about OACareTools+ because it offers a fresh approach to managing osteoarthritis by enhancing patient and provider interactions. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on medications and physical therapies, OACareTools+ integrates a digital platform to streamline the referral process to programs like Walk With Ease. This approach not only equips healthcare providers with targeted training and resources but also empowers patients by simplifying access to effective exercise programs. By fostering a more cohesive connection between patients and providers, OACareTools+ aims to improve overall treatment experiences and outcomes in osteoarthritis care.

Research has shown that the OACareTools+ program, provided to healthcare providers in this trial, helps doctors and nurses refer more patients with osteoarthritis to the Walk With Ease program. This toolkit offers educational materials and resources to manage osteoarthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness. Studies have found that when healthcare providers focus on recognizing and managing osteoarthritis symptoms, patients experience better health outcomes. By increasing referrals to the Walk With Ease program, patients can benefit from exercise routines proven to reduce pain and improve movement. Early findings suggest that when healthcare providers use these resources, patients are more likely to join the program and see improvements in their condition.¹²³⁴⁵