C-GLOVES: the Effectiveness of Compression Gloves in Arthritis

Design:

An observational study of usual care providing arthritis gloves with pre- and 4 weeks post-treatment assessment. Participants are screened and recruited (if eligible and consenting) as they attend for glove provision as part of routine care. (Participants are not randomly assigned).

Intervention:

Three-quarter length finger Isotoner glove(s) for one or both hands, as required. The participating OTs determine if patients meet their agreed criteria for gloves as part of usual care. Usually at the same appointment the OT then assesses for and provides these using the assessment and treatment protocols agreed by North West England College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Rheumatology (NWCOTSS-R) members as part of their usual care. Four weeks later, patients attend a review appointment (as part of their usual care) for re-assessment of their hand(s), and to identify any effects the gloves have had and if any problems arose meaning glove wear should be stopped or the wear regimen altered. Normally the patient attends for two appointments only.

Occupational therapist (OT) training

The members of the NWCOTSS-R group agreed the glove provision criteria, hand assessment and treatment protocols and glove instruction sheet in order to improve standards of usual care in glove provision across Rheumatology OT departments. Prior to recruitment commencing, the participating OTs attended a training meeting to ensure they:

• performed the hand assessments (i.e. swelling, finger flexion and Grip Ability Test) reliably.
• Know how to correctly size and fit the gloves following training by an experienced Rheumatology OT
• understand the study procedures, know how to take study specific consent and complete study site documentation.

A standardised assessment kit and manual was provided to the OTs by the University research centre.

Study criteria:

Inclusion:

• Meet the criteria agreed by NWCOTSS-R members for receiving compression gloves as part of usual OT care.
• Adults with either:

i. early inflammatory, probable or definite RA, diagnosed by a Rheumatology Consultant ii. hand OA, diagnosed by a GP, Consultant or Advanced Practitioner.

c) Willing and able to wear three-quarter length Isotoner glove(s), following the glove fitting process.

d) Willing to attend for the glove review appointment (part of usual care) approximately four weeks following glove provision.

Exclusion:

e) Has a terminal illness, or other health or personal issues, such that the OT considers the patient's participation may be an undue burden.

f) Has any other condition which could alter hand symptoms and function between assessments (eg stroke, multiple sclerosis)

g) In early IA/RA or hand OA: received an intra-articular or intra-muscular steroid injection or started a new anti-inflammatory drug within the last 4 weeks

h) In established RA only: started a new DMARD within the last 6 weeks

Sample size:

40 people from each of the: early IA or RA; and Hand OA, condition groups will be recruited. As this is a feasibility study no sample size has been calculated.

Inclusion criteria

• experiencing hand pain and swelling

Exclusion criteria

• unable to give informed consent