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- Talk
- 20/09/2022
- UK
A Qualitative Study Exploring Clinicians’ Views on Clinical Trials in Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis
Description
This VTT transcription captures a presentation by Ben Dean discussing a qualitative study aimed at exploring clinicians' views on clinical trials and treatment options for thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) osteoarthritis. The presentation outlines the limited qualitative data available, primarily focusing on clinicians' perspectives compared to the existing quantitative research on patient impacts. Dean highlights the study’s methodology involving interviews with surgeons and therapists, and the use of thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke's principles. Key themes emerged from the research, including:
1. **Treatment Approach**: Clinicians prefer a flexible 'ladder-based' approach to treatment, emphasizing starting with the least invasive options. They also discussed how treatment plans should accommodate individual patient needs and experiences.
2. **Steroid Injections**: The role of steroid injections in management was explored, noting that while these can be part of a treatment plan, their usage must be judiciously timed and integrated with other therapeutic interventions. Clinicians expressed a desire not to exhaust this option too early and to tailor treatment based on patient pain levels and circumstances.
3. **Surgery as a Last Resort**: There was a strong consensus among clinicians that surgery should only be considered after all conservative measures have been deemed ineffective, reinforced by concerns over the irreversibility and recovery challenges associated with surgical interventions.
4. **Collaborative Decision Making**: The presentation emphasizes a shift towards shared decision-making and patient empowerment, reflecting a modern approach to care that seeks to involve patients actively in their treatment choices rather than dictating options.
5. **Trial Recruitment Challenges**: Dean also addresses the complexities involved in recruiting patients for clinical trials, notably the importance of transparent communication about the uncertainties of trial results and framing treatment offers positively to encourage participation.
In conclusion, Dean underscores the importance of developing flexible treatment pathways and packages of care in clinical trials, using evidence from their study to suggest that this approach may improve patient engagement and satisfaction.