Task shifting in the care for patients with hand osteoarthritis. Protocol for a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Current health policy states that patients with osteoarthritis (OA) should mainly be managed in primary health care. Still, research shows that patients with hand OA have poor access to recommended treatment in primary care, and in Norway, they are increasingly referred to rheumatologist consultations in specialist care. In this randomized controlled non-inferiority trial, we will test if a new model, where patients referred to consultation in specialist health care receive their first consultation by an occupational therapy (OT) specialist, is as safe and effective as the traditional model, where they receive their first consultation by a rheumatologist. More specifically, we will answer the following questions: 1. What are the characteristics of patients with hand OA r

SUBMITTER: Kjeken I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7888184 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature