Overview of the CONNACT Trial
The CONNACT trial looked at a new way to help people with knee osteoarthritis by combining care from orthopedic doctors and other health professionals in the community. This study aimed to see how well this approach worked and how it could be used in real life.
What Worked?
- Physical Performance: Patients showed improvements in physical activities.
- Knee Satisfaction: Many patients felt better about their knees after the program.
- Positive Dietary Changes: Some patients improved their eating habits.
What Didn’t Work?
- Pain and Function: The new approach did not reduce pain or improve daily functions more than regular hospital care.
- Quality of Life: There was no significant change in overall quality of life compared to standard treatments.
How This Helps Patients and Clinics
- Patients may benefit from better physical performance and satisfaction with their knees.
- Clinics can learn about the importance of patient education and personalized care.
Real-World Opportunities for Hospitals and Doctors
- Encourage participation by addressing reasons patients may decline, such as work or family commitments.
- Improve group classes by making them more personalized and supportive.
- Incorporate regular exercise into patient routines with simple strategies to overcome barriers like lack of time.
Measurable Outcomes for Clinics
- Track patient participation rates in programs.
- Monitor improvements in physical performance and knee satisfaction.
- Assess changes in dietary habits.
AI Tools That Can Help
Clinics might consider using AI tools for:
- Personalized exercise recommendations based on individual patient data.
- Tracking patient progress and engagement through digital platforms.
Step-by-Step Plan for Clinics
- Start Small: Begin by offering the CONNACT program to a small group of patients.
- Collect Feedback: After initial sessions, gather feedback from both patients and health professionals.
- Adjust Programs: Make changes based on feedback to improve patient experience.
- Expand Gradually: Once the program is running smoothly, gradually include more patients.
- Monitor Results: Keep track of patient progress and satisfaction regularly.
For more details, you can access the full research article here.
