Health Aid for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with daily activities. Many patients interpret these symptoms as signs of ongoing joint damage, which can influence their expectations and decisions about treatment.

This randomized controlled trial compares three approaches used during a routine orthopedic visit: a health aid, a decision aid, and usual care. The health aid is designed to improve patients' understanding of knee osteoarthritis by addressing common misconceptions and helping patients develop a more accurate and less distressing understanding of their condition. The decision aid provides structured information about treatment options. In the usual care group, patients receive standard clinical consultation without additional educational materials.

The main goal of the study is to evaluate differences in patients' understanding of knee osteoarthritis immediately after the clinic visit. Secondary outcomes include patients' interest in additional care options such as imaging, physical therapy, injections, and surgery, as well as measures of trust in the clinician and care experience.

The results of this study may help improve how information is communicated to patients with knee osteoarthritis and guide future approaches to patient education and shared decision-making.