Knee Osteoarthritis Clinical Trial in NSW

The COASTAL study is a clinical research trial testing three different ways to deliver care for people with knee osteoarthritis.

The goal is to find out which model of care works best to improve knee pain and function and support long-term management.

The COASTAL study is run by researchers from the University of Sydney and includes public hospital and community health services across New South Wales. This is a not-for-profit research study.

See if you qualify
Participant Information Sheet

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. You can save your progress and return at any time.

What does this study aim to achieve?

Osteoarthritis affects over 3 million Australians and is a leading cause of disability. Although evidence-based treatments are available, many people do not receive appropriate or accessible care.

This study compares three ways of delivering osteoarthritis care:

  • Face-to-Face Program (Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program – OACCP) delivered in a hospital setting

  • Telehealth Program delivered via phone or video by a trained Care Support Team

  • Mobile App Program (OA Coach app) delivered via smart device with personalised education and support

All programs aim to support lifestyle changes such as exercise, physical activity, weight management, and self-management of osteoarthritis.

Aim 1

This study will compare the effectiveness of the three programs.

Aim 2

This study will determine the cost-effectiveness of the three programs.

Who can take part?

You may be eligible to participate if you:

  • Are aged 45 years or older

  • Have knee pain on most days or have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis

  • Have access to a smart device with internet

  • Live in NSW and can attend one of the following public hospital sites:

    • Royal North Shore Hospital

    • Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital

    • The Sutherland Hospital

    • South Eastern Regional Hospital (Bega)

    • Westmead Hospital

    • Coffs Harbour Health Campus

    • Port Macquarie Base Hospital

    • Wollongong Hospital

FAQs

    • Complete a short online screening survey to check eligibility

    • Receive a referral to the study from any health professional (we provide a referral form for ease)

    • Be randomly assigned to and complete one of the three osteoarthritis care programs (face-to-face, telehealth, or app) for 6 months

    • Complete online surveys at a few time points over 12 months

    • Receive all study materials and support free of charge

  • You will need a referral from any registered healthcare provider if you have passed the screening survey and are eligible to participate. We will provide you with a referral template.

  • No. Participation in the COASTAL study is completely free. There is no cost for any program or service provided as part of the trial.

  • Only if you are randomised to the face-to-face program, which is delivered in a participating hospital. If you are allocated to the telehealth or app-based program, all care is delivered remotely.

  • No. This study does not involve any X-rays, scans, blood tests, or medications.

  • No, participants are randomly allocated to one of the three programs.

  • Participants will receive a $50 gift voucher at the end of the 12 months. You will also receive expert-supported care and access to a comprehensive osteoarthritis management program at no cost.

  • You will remain in this study for 12 months from your first study visit. During the first 6 months, you will involve follow a knee osteoarthritis management program, and you will be asked to complete 3 online questionnaires over the course of the 12 months.

  • Yes. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time without affecting your access to other care.

  • To join COASTAL, complete the online screening survey here.

    The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. You can save your progress and return at any time.

    At the end of the survey, you will be notified if the study is suitable for you. If it does, a member of the team will be in contact to guide you through the next steps.

Benefits of joining the COASTAL study

  1. Access to free expert-led osteoarthritis care

    Receive structured support and guidance from trained healthcare professionals, tailored to your needs.

  2. Support personalised to your lifestyle

    Whether delivered in-person, via telehealth or on your smart device, the care is designed to be accessible, convenient and tailored to your situation.

  3. Help improve care for people with knee osteoarthritis

    By joining the study, you’ll be helping researchers and policymakers understand how best to deliver osteoarthritis care across Australia.

Interested in joining the study?

Click the link below to complete the online screening survey and learn more about whether this study is right for you.

See if you qualify

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. You can save your progress and return at any time.

For any questions, contact the study team at coastal.study@sydney.edu.au or 0478 235 075.

This study has been approved by Northern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) [2024/ETH01461].