Feasibility study of a digital self-management tool for knee pain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Implementing a digital self-management tool within an orthopaedic knee pathway: a mixed-methods feasibility study
IRAS ID
354027
Contact name
Anna Anderson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Knee osteoarthritis is a common joint condition. It causes symptoms such as pain and stiffness. If someone’s pain is very bad, they may be sent to a specialist (orthopaedic surgeon). The specialist may offer advice on strategies like exercise. They may also offer the option of a total knee replacement operation.
The getUBetter app is a digital tool. It has an existing knee pathway. This aims to help patients manage problems like knee osteoarthritis. We recently added extra modules to the knee pathway. The new modules are based on a ‘Virtual Knee School’ for patients having a total knee replacement.
We aim to find out if it is possible and acceptable to give the getUBetter app to patients receiving specialist care for knee osteoarthritis. The study is a ‘feasibility’ study. This means it is a small study. It will help us decide if and how to carry out a bigger study of the app.
The study will take place at one hospital in northern England. It will include 30 patients receiving specialist care for knee osteoarthritis. Taking part will not affect patients’ routine care.
We will give everyone who takes part access to the getUBetter app knee pathway. We will direct anyone waiting for a total knee replacement to the new modules. We will direct everyone else to the general knee pathway.
We will collect information about the getUBetter app and study processes. This will include asking everyone who takes part to fill in two questionnaires. We will give one at the start of the study. We will give the other one six weeks later. We will record any safety concerns. We will also interview around 10 to 20 participants.
We will use the findings to decide if and how to carry out a bigger study of the app.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
26/WA/0026
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion