RecruitingACTRN12625000787482

Evaluation of the effectiveness of an eLearning program for health professionals managing people with osteoarthritis: a mixed methods prospective cohort study and randomised trial

Sponsor

The University of Sydney

Enrollment

102 participants

Start Date

Jun 9, 2025

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Summary

The overall aim of this study is to evaluate whether our new osteoarthritis eLearning program designed to facilitate the uptake of evidence-based osteoarthritis care, meets the needs of health professionals and leads to better service delivery.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

Osteoarthritis — the most common joint condition — affects millions of Australians, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Evidence-based care (such as exercise and education) is highly effective, but many health professionals haven't been trained to deliver it, and patients often receive outdated advice like 'rest and avoid activity' or are steered towards unnecessary imaging and surgery. This study is evaluating a new online eLearning program designed to help health professionals and students learn how to deliver best-practice osteoarthritis care. The program is assessed through surveys and knowledge tests before and after completion, and a randomised sub-study compares immediate access to the program against a delay. You may be eligible if you are a registered healthcare professional (such as a physiotherapist, GP, or nurse) who sees patients with osteoarthritis, or a student in a health or medical degree, and you have access to a device with internet. People who already rate their osteoarthritis knowledge and confidence above 80% on a simple scale are not eligible, as the program is designed for those with room to grow.

This is a simplified summary. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

This online Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) is evaluating the effectiveness of an eLearning program for health professionals involved in the care of people with osteoarthritis. The osteoarthritis e

This online Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) is evaluating the effectiveness of an eLearning program for health professionals involved in the care of people with osteoarthritis. The osteoarthritis eLearning program forms part of a broader arthritis-focused eLearning platform (ATLAS) designed for health professionals. The OA-specific modules were developed as part of this broader ATLAS program. The broad topics covered in the osteoarthritis-specific modules include: • Person-centred care and communication • Introduction to osteoarthritis • Talking to people about their osteoarthritis • Management planning, supporting self-management and behaviour change • Physical activity and exercise • Weight management • Adjunctive rehabilitative therapies • Pharmacotherapy and dietary supplements • Surgical interventions • The interdisciplinary team and service delivery • Evidence-based practice and professional development The eLearning program incorporates interactive activities, multimedia content, and downloadable resources, all delivered via a secure online learning management system (website). Participants access the program through a password-protected login, available via smartphone, tablet, or computer. Participants will be required to complete a minimum of four out of the twelve osteoarthritis modules. Each module is designed to take approximately 1 hour to complete. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate confirming 1 hour of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) per module completed. Participants may select the modules most relevant to their individual learning needs. Adherence to the intervention will be monitored through website analytics, which will capture logins, module access, time spent, and completion status. Access will be provided to participants for 10 weeks.