Total joint replacement is a highly successful treatment option for people affected by severe osteoarthritis (OA), however, the mismatch between resources and demand for this surgery means that many patients face long wait times while enduring worsening pain and disability. The Alberta Hip and Knee Program is a centralized intake system for patients referred for total joint replacement assessment. Over 3000 patients are assessed annually at the Calgary location (Alberta Hip and Knee Clinic at Gulf Canada Square) where previously patients waited an average of 43 weeks for a surgical consult then an additional 30 weeks until surgery. Given that many elective surgeries in Alberta have been cancelled in response to the COVID19 pandemic, these wait times have increased significantly, with no clearing of the surgical backlog for the foreseeable future. Long wait times for patients can become a spiral of more debility, less mobility, and subsequent weight gain. The current standard of care for patients with obesity awaiting surgery provides little support or guidance beyond general advice about the importance of a healthy weight and remaining active. This waiting period represents an untapped window of opportunity to intervene and help patients with obesity and OA to lessen their disease burden and improve overall health, while addressing patient priorities such as regaining lost function and improving quality of life. Many patients with osteoarthritis also have obesity. The best practices in obesity treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. Our aim is to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating the multidisciplinary Alberta Obesity Centre program into the clinical care pathway for patients with obesity and OA while they await surgical evaluation at the Alberta Hip and Knee Clinic at Gulf Canada Square. The results of this feasibility trial will help inform a larger scale trial that will be powered for clinical and health economics outcomes.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Determine the number of adults with osteoarthritis and obesity that are eligible to participate in the trial
Timeframe: 0-12 months
The number of these adults with osteoarthritis and obesity who would be willing to take part in this trial
Timeframe: 0-12 months
The characteristics of these adults with osteoarthritis and obesity who are willing to take part in the trial
Timeframe: 0-12 months
The number and percentage of participants retained at 12-months
Timeframe: 0-12 months