Corticosteroid injections in Osteoarthritis - RUBICON-Q
Research type
Research Study
Full title
RecUrrent Intra-articular Corticosteroid injections in Osteoarthritis: The RUbICOn Qualitative study
IRAS ID
281208
Contact name
Andrew Moore
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Osteoarthritis is the most common musculoskeletal condition worldwide and a global health burden. It is an irreversible and progressive disease, which causes pain, morbidity, functional decline, and loss in quality of life. Core treatments for the condition include physical exercise, weight loss, education and advice, physiotherapy and paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as first line treatment for pain. Following these treatments some people may go on to have joint replacement surgery. Current clinical guidelines for osteoarthritis management recommends the use of intra-articular corticosteroid injections alongside core treatments for the relief of moderate-to-severe, uncontrolled pain. However, evidence for corticosteroid injections for osteoarthritis is limited and inconsistent. As the prevalence of osteoarthritis is expected to rise over the coming years, it is likely that intra-articular corticosteroid injections will be used more frequently in patients, and therefore evidence on the practice and patterns of use of intra-articular injections is needed to help guide the use of this treatment. National Institute for Health Research has commissioned this study in recognition of this need for evidence.
The aim of this project is to explore the views and experiences of patients and clinicians of the use of intra-articular corticosteroid injections. Topics will include the benefits and disadvantages of treatment, motivations for choosing treatment or not, including to prevent surgery, and accesses to treatment. Interviews will also explore beliefs about efficacy, complications, comorbidities, and perceived risks of repeated use, and clinicians’ awareness of and views on current guidelines and recommendations.
We will interview up to 40 patients and 30 GPs from across a range of GP practices in the South West UK. Interview transcripts will be analysed using thematic analysis which will inform the development of a narrative report to explain patient and clinician use of intra-articular injections of corticosteroid in the current management of osteoarthritis.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/EM/0185
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jul 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion