AzTrials
AzTrials

Hip OsteoarthritisNCT06358521

Determining the Impact of a Physiotherapist-led Primary Care Model for Hip and Knee Pain - A Cluster Trial

A study testing Physiotherapist-led primary care model for hip and knee pain and Usual physician-led primary care model for hip and knee pain in people with Hip Osteoarthritis and Knee Osteoarthritis, run by Queen's University at 1 site in Canada.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This is a cluster randomized controlled trial to to evaluate the individual and health system impacts of implementing a new physiotherapist-led primary care model for hip and knee pain in Canada. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 19 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Hip Osteoarthritis, Knee Osteoarthritis
What is being tested?
Physiotherapist-led primary care model for hip and knee pain and Usual physician-led primary care model for hip and knee pain
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
647 participants
Where
1 siteCanada
Study dates
2 Oct 2023to 19 Dec 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 19 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults >= 19 years who ask to book a primary care visits where the primary reason is for hip or knee pain of any duration.

Who cannot join

  • Cannot understand, read, and write English
  • Known cancer causing hip or knee pain

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Canada1 site
  • Queen's University

    Kingston, Ontario, K7L3N6

Other trials in Canada

About this study

Official title: Determining the Impact of a New Physiotherapist-led Primary Care Model for Hip and Knee Pain - A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

This is a cluster randomized controlled trial to to evaluate the individual and health system impacts of implementing a new physiotherapist-led primary care model for hip and knee pain in Canada.

Read the detailed description

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of pain, disability, and reduced quality of life in patients. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, especially in the hips and knees, which affects over four million Canadians. OA places a huge burden on society, in terms of both direct and indirect costs, including lost time at work, lost years of productivity, and decreased quality of life. People living with OA complain of chronic pain and negative impacts on their quality of life. For many, the first point of contact for their OA is their primary care provider. Due to the rise in patients seeking support through primary care and the shortage of care providers and the high burden on these providers, patients often do not receive timely access to care. Additionally, for patients without primary care providers, their first point of contact for their OA is often the emergency department (ED), which contributes to long wait times and staff burnout. The need for integrative models of care has been advocated for as an evidenced-informed and patient-centered approach to managing patients with OA.

In Canada, federal and provincial governments have identified that interprofessional teams with complementary skillsets are required to address patients' multiple needs and to improve the effectiveness of the healthcare system. Research from other health conditions suggests team-based primary care can improve access to appropriate care, coordination of care, and patient outcomes. One example of such an integrated model of care is having a physiotherapist (PT) as the first point of contact within interprofessional primary care teams. PTs can provide a comprehensive and efficient management strategy for patients presenting to their primary care provider with complaints related to hip and knee OA. This model of care has the potential to improve patient outcomes and positively influence the current challenges within the healthcare system.

The study seeks to address the following research questions:

  1. Is a PT-led primary care model for hip and knee pain effective at improving function (primary outcome), pain intensity, quality of life, global rating of change, patient satisfaction, and adverse events compared to usual physician-led primary care, when evaluated over a one-year period from the initial consultation?
  2. What is the impact of a PT-led primary care model for hip and knee pain on the health system and society (healthcare access, physician workload, healthcare utilization, missed work, cost-effectiveness), evaluated over a one-year period from initial consultation? A process evaluation will be used to understand the process of implementing a PT-led primary care model, potential mechanisms of the interventions, context of delivery, and perceptions of patients and primary care providers toward the PT-led primary care model for hip and knee pain.
Being tested
Physiotherapist-led primary care model for hip and knee pain, Usual physician-led primary care model for hip and knee pain
Medical subject headings
Osteoarthritis, Hip, Osteoarthritis, Knee

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Physiotherapist-led primary care model for hip and knee painOther

    1. Initial assessment and screening: The PT will provide a comprehensive assessment according to established clinical practice guidelines.
    2. Brief individualized intervention at first visit: The PT intervention will be at the discretion of the PT to reflect real-world PT intervention.
    3. Health services navigation: Participants will be provided with options available to them in their community for rehabilitation. For example, they may be referred to community PT for ongoing management. Participants will be assessed regarding the need for specialist referrals or resources available to manage complex clinical presentations. Participants may be referred to the primary care provider if no specialized services are needed or when the PT cannot provide a direct referral.
    4. Additional PT care: Patients who require community PT but do not have the appropriate coverage for community-based services will be managed by the PT who provided the assessment in the primary care setting.
  • Usual physician-led primary care model for hip and knee painOther

    The physician led primary care intervention will be unstandardized to best reflect standard clinical practice in Canada.

Study groups in NCT06358521
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Physiotherapist-led primary care model for hip and knee painExperimentalThe index intervention will incorporate a PT within the primary care team and make them available at the first point of contact for people with hip or knee pain. There will be 4 key components of this intervention: 1) Initial assessment and screening; 2) Brief individualized intervention at first visit; 3) Health services navigation; 4) Providing additional PT care for people with an unmet need (e.g., no insurance coverage for PT).
Receives: Other: Physiotherapist-led primary care model for hip and knee pain
Usual physician-led primary care model for hip and knee painActive comparatorParticipants will be seen by a primary care physician or a nurse practitioner, depending on the current practice at the clinic. Participants in both groups will be permitted to seek additional care outside of the primary care clinic.
Receives: Other: Usual physician-led primary care model for hip and knee pain

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Self-Reported Functioning

    Self-report using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (0-80 score with higher score representing higher function)

    Measured: Baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up

Secondary outcomes (30)
  1. Self-Reported Pain Intensity

    Measured using a numeric pain rating scale from 0 to 10 with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.

    Measured: Baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up

  2. Health-Related Quality of Life

    Measured using the EuroQoL-5D-5L (0 to 100 with greater scores indicating greater self-reported health related quality of life)

    Measured: Baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up

  3. Pain Self Efficacy

    Confidence in abilities to participate in usual activities using the Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire

    Measured: Baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up

  4. Catastrophic Thinking

    Measured using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (0 to 52 with higher scores indicating greater catastrophic thinking)

    Measured: Baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up

  5. Fear of Movement

    Measured using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (an 11-item questionnaire)

    Measured: Baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up

  6. Depression Subscale

    Measured using the 2-Item Patient Health Questionnaire

    Measured: Baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up

  7. Global Rating of Change

    Measured using an 11-point scale (-5 to +5 with negative scores indicating a worsening of physical functioning and positive scores indicating an improvement of physical functioning)

    Measured: 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up

  8. Satisfaction with Health Care

    Measured using an 11-point scale (-5 to +5 with negative scores indicating a dissatisfaction with health care received and positive scores indicating satisfaction with health care received)

    Measured: 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up

  9. Adverse Events

    Measured using an adverse events questionnaire that asks 1) if the participant has experienced any adverse events as a result of the treatments received (yes/no); 2) how long the event lasted (hours or days); 3) how severe the adverse event was (0-10 scale); 4) what adverse events were experienced.

    Measured: 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up

  10. Health-Care Utilization - Consultations in Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

    Number of consultations with primary care team members for hip or knee pain (e.g., physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists)

    Measured: 12 months

  11. Health-Care Utilization Survey - Visits to health professionals

    Survey questions related to hip or knee pain: number of visits to health professionals outside the primary care team (e.g., chiropractors, massage therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, chronic pain clinics)

    Measured: 12 months

  12. Health-Care Utilization Survey - Medications

    Survey questions related to hip or knee pain: number of medications taken. Includes type of medication, dose, frequency.

    Measured: 12 months

  13. Health-Care Utilization Survey - Walk-In Clinic Visits

    Survey questions related to hip or knee pain: number of walk-in clinic visits outside of primary care centre

    Measured: 12 months

  14. Health-Care Utilization Survey - Emergency Department Visits

    Survey questions related to hip or knee pain: number of emergency department visits

    Measured: 12 months

  15. Health-Care Utilization Survey - Inpatient Hospital Stays

    Survey questions related to hip or knee pain: number of overnight hospital stays

    Measured: 12 months

  16. Health-Care Utilization Survey - Surgeries, Procedures, Injections

    Survey questions related to hip or knee pain: number of surgeries, procedures, and injections

    Measured: 12 months

  17. Health-Care Utilization Survey - Specialist Visits

    Survey questions related to hip or knee pain: number of visits to specialists

    Measured: 12 months

  18. Health-Care Utilization Survey - Diagnostic Imaging

    Survey questions related to hip or knee pain: number of diagnostic images received

    Measured: 12 months

  19. Process Outcome - Medications prescribed

    Collected from the EMR: medications prescribed for hip or knee pain. Includes the type of medication prescribed

    Measured: 12 months

  20. Process Outcome - Diagnostic Imaging Ordered

    Collected from the EMR: diagnostic images ordered for hip or knee pain

    Measured: 12 months

  21. Process Outcome - Exercises Prescribed

    Collected from the EMR: exercises prescribed for hip or knee pain

    Measured: 12 months

  22. Process Outcome - Education Provided

    Collected from the EMR: education provided for hip or knee pain

    Measured: 12 months

  23. Process Outcome - Referrals to other health care providers (HCPs)

    Collected from the EMR: referrals to other HCPs (both internal and external to the primary health care team) for hip or knee pain

    Measured: 12 months

  24. Process Outcome - Primary Care Visits

    Collected from the EMR: visits to the primary care team for hip or knee pain

    Measured: 12 months

  25. Process Outcome - Notes to Employers or Insurers

    Collected from the EMR: notes provided to employers or insurers for hip or knee pain

    Measured: 12 months

  26. Self-Report Time Lost

    Self-reported time lost from work, volunteering, homemaking, and educational activities

    Measured: 12 months

  27. Assistance Needed

    Self-reported assistance needed, due to hip or knee pain, for self-care, housework, shopping, or transportation

    Measured: 12 months

  28. Extra Expenses

    Any extra expenses incurred as a result of hip or knee pain. Self-report.

    Measured: 12 months

  29. Cost outcomes

    Costs associated with all health utilization, self-reported time lost, assistance needed, and extra expenses. Will be presented as aggregate and time-specific costs

    Measured: 12 months

  30. Health Care Accessibility

    Percentage of participants assessed within 48 hours of calling for an appointment

    Measured: Baseline

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted10 Apr 2024
  2. Study start2 Oct 2023
  3. Primary completion25 Nov 2025
  4. Study completion19 Dec 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This is a cluster randomized controlled trial randomizing 14 sites to the PT-led primary care model for hip/knee pain or to the usual physician/nurse practitioner-led care model
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
647 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06358521
Sponsor's protocol ID
6040471
Status last verified
Aug 2026
First submitted
5 Apr 2024
Last updated
12 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: There is no plan to share individual IPD with other researchers.

Publications

  • Miller J, Donnelly C, McClintock C, Varette K, Camargo Y, Marsh J, Taljaard M, Mamun MSA, Bacchus G, Barber D, Cooper L, French S, Green M, Hill J, MacDermid J, Norman K, Richardson J, Tranmer J, Wideman T. Determining the Impact of a Physiotherapist-Led Primary Care Model for Hip and Knee Pain: Protocol and Analysis Plan for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial With Process Evaluation. JMIR Res Protoc. 2026 May 22;15:e89006. doi: 10.2196/89006.

    PubMed 42172602

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Physiotherapist-led primary care model for hip and knee pain and Usual physician-led primary care model for hip and knee pain in people with Hip Osteoarthritis and Knee Osteoarthritis, run by Queen's University at 1 site in Canada.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Self-Reported Functioning (time frame: Baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06358521, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Aug 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in