EFFECTIVENESS OF TELEPHONE-BASED INTERVENTIONS FOR MANAGING OSTEOARTHRITIS AND SPINAL PAIN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip, knee, and spine are common conditions that drive people to seek care to relieve their pain and restore function. Wait times, challenges in getting to facilities, and cost are factors limiting access to education and treatment to address the burden of osteoarthritis and spinal pain. Telehealth models have the potential to provide timely and accessible care, including to those living in remote or underserved areas. This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of telehealth interventions to reduce pain and disability in people with OA of the knee or hip and spinal pain.

METHODS

The authors conducted a search for randomized controlled trials, cluster randomized control trials, and non-randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome measures were pain and disability. The study followed standard guidelines and limitations of bias practices.

RESULTS

23 studies were included in the review, involving nearly 5000 participants. All of the studies included a focus on self-management and education in combination to specific recommendations like being physically active. Telehealth was as effective as face to face interventions

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