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Completed

NCT Number: NCT02025400

Internet Enhanced, Patient-Centered Orthopedic Care: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial

The investigators have previously reported on patient utilization of an eRehab patient education web portal that utilizes streaming, clinician prescribed video instruction to motivate and inform patients in self-care of their orthopedic condition, focusing on the importance of a home exercise program. The greatest barrier to patient use of this web-based home exercise treatment plan was the initial access to the program. The purpose of this study is to compare an Internet-based patient education rehab portal (eRehab) to formal physical therapy (PT) in terms of patient costs and outcomes.

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Key information

Conditions

Knee Injuries Joint Diseases Leg Injuries Meniscus Tear Musculoskeletal Diseases Patellofemoral Pain Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Rotator Cuff Disease Shoulder Injuries Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 1

Primary location

Advanced Orthopaedic Specialists, Prince Frederick, Maryland, United States

Loading trial locations.

About this study

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled pilot study. Twenty-four patients who were candidates for a knee or shoulder orthopedic outpatient physical therapy referral were randomized to a 6-week treatment course of either PT or eRehab. Patients were evaluated for outcome scores (KOOS or DASH), pain NRS-11 scores, patient subjective outcomes and cost of treatment.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • patient diagnosed by board certified orthopedic surgeon to be in need of formal physical therapy referral
  • had the ability to access and use the Internet and email
  • English-speaking
  • non-pregnant adults
  • had not received formal physical therapy for their current diagnosis

Exclusion criteria

  • work-related injuries
  • pain NRS-11 score greater than or equal to 6

Treatment and study plan

eRehab

Other

Growth in e-Health applications, defined as any computer or Internet application integrated into health services, has resulted in the development of treatment strategies to improve healthcare while reducing costs. The utilization of e-Health to provide a rehabilitative intervention has recently been identified in the cardiac literature as "e-rehabilitation" or "eRehab." This study specifically compares an orthopedic eRehab Internet application to standard outpatient physical therapy as an adjunct in the treatment of non-complicated knee and shoulder disorders.

Formal Physical Therapy

Other

This intervention involves referral to a licensed physical therapist or supervised ATC-L.

Primary outcomes

  1. Outcome scores for knee (KOOS) and shoulder (DASH)

    Time frame: six weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. NRS-11 pain scores

    Time frame: 6 weeks

Other outcomes

  1. Patient utilization of an eRehab portal measured by number of logons and performance of a home exercise program as documented with an exercise log.

    Time frame: 6 weeks

  2. Patient cost of care per episode

    Time frame: 6 months

    A patient's insurance explanation of benefits will be reviewed for 6 months from completion of the current episode of care to determine patient out of pocket expenses

  3. Total cost of care per episode

    Time frame: 6 months

    Each patient's EOB will be reviewed to determine total cost of care for each episode of care

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Charlotte Sports Medicine Institute, PA

Other

Collaborators

  • Advanced Orthopedic Specialists
  • The Orthopaedic Center

Registry information

Official study title

Phase I Study Comparing Internet Delivered Home Exercise Programs to Standard Orthopedic Care and Outpatient Physical Therapy.

Important dates

Study start
2012
Primary completion
2013
Study completion
2013
First posted
Jan 1, 2014
Registry last updated
Jan 1, 2014

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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