Participants received written and audio versions of osteoarthritis self-management educational materials and

exercises, and were asked to identify and write down goals and corresponding action plans related to their osteoarthritis symptoms and management. A health educator called participants monthly by telephone for 12 months to discuss key points from the educational modules and the participant’s goals and action plans. Participants in the health education group received written and audio materials regarding common health problems, as well as related screening recommendations. The health educator also called participants monthly for 12 months to review key points selleck chemicals from the educational modules, and assess whether participants were being screened appropriately. Outcome measures: The main outcome was the pain subscale of

the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales-2 (AIMS2). Secondary outcomes included the AIMS2 physical function and affect subscales, the Arthritis NVP-BGJ398 purchase Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES), and a 10-cm pain visual analog scale (VAS) measured at 12 months follow up. Results: 461 (90%) participants completed the study. The mean AIMS-2 pain score (range 0–10) in the self-management group was 0.4 points lower (95% CI −0.8 to 0.1) than in the usual care group, and 0.6 points lower (CI −1.0 to −0.2) than in the health education group. The only significant differences between the groups in secondary outcome measures were for ASES in favour of self-management over health education (0.4 points, 95% CI 0.0 to 0.8) and VAS-pain in favour of self-management over health education (−1.0 point, 95% CI −1.5 to −0.5) and usual care (−1.1 point, those 95% CI −1.6 to −0.6). Health care use did not differ

across the groups. Conclusion: In patients with knee and hip OA, an entirely telephone based self-management support program resulted in modest improvements in pain as compared to general health education and usual care. Osteoarthritis is a condition characterised by pain, disability and impaired quality of life. It is one of the leading causes of pain and disability for the adult population worldwide, and the prevalence is increasing mainly due to the growing proportion of elderly and overweight. The present study represents a timely and important contribution in relation to this large public health challenge. Self-management is recommended as a core treatment for hip and knee OA. Recent meta-analyses show significant, but very small, effect sizes in improving pain and function. For telephone interventions, effect sizes are comparable (Zhang 2010). This trial is well conducted, has sufficient power, and includes an attention-control group with 12 months follow-up. The intervention effects, however, are small. Choosing the AIMS2 pain subscale as primary outcome could be debated.