WAPIN
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Walk with path feasibility and product assessment of ‘Path Insight’ (PIN) in arthroplasty patients.
IRAS ID
321287
Contact name
Alison McGregor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
This is a validation and usability study of the path insight device, a wearable insole that is able to measure motion and function, in people with osteoarthritis.
Knee replacements are increasingly common surgical procedures worldwide. In the UK the usual wait time for surgery is 18 weeks, however, the current COVID-19 pandemic has led to significantly longer waits in excess of 6 months. These cancellations led to many distressed patients who are experiencing increasing levels of pain and dysfunction impacting their everyday lives, their recovery rates, and functional outcomes after surgery. We know that exercise is the most effective treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, but compliance and adherence is poor and patient’s beliefs around exercise limit engagement further.
Walk with path have developed a product ‘path feel’ made up of smart insoles, app and dashboard (path insight). Path Insight is a secured, web-based dashboard that visualises the data gathered by the insoles for clinicians who oversee the care of patients. This tool will guide patients to mobilise and as such maintain, and ideally improve, their activity whilst awaiting surgery. This we propose will enhance functional outcomes and recovery times. Monitoring walking and functional levels will give clinicians a tool to engage with patients and understand their issues from afar. It will help clinicians to identify those deteriorating more rapidly and so may need to be prioritised for surgical intervention. Such a tool to manage the growing waiting list, does not to date exist and will provide a much-needed solution to this problem.
This study will test whether Path Insight is ready for evaluation in a hospital setting on an osteoarthritic population, noting use of the app, determining changes in core outcomes metrics and qualitative information on patient experience.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/YH/0212
Date of REC Opinion
10 Oct 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion