Trials (Jan 2023)

An AI-based patient-specific clinical decision support system for OA patients choosing surgery or not: study protocol for a single-centre, parallel-group, non-inferiority randomised controlled trial

  • Nanna Kastrup,
  • Helene H. Bjerregaard,
  • Mogens Laursen,
  • Jan B. Valentin,
  • Søren P. Johnsen,
  • Cathrine E. Jensen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-07039-5
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24, no. 1
pp. 1 – 8

Abstract

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Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) affects 20% of the adult Danish population, and the financial burden to society amounts to DKK 4.6 billion annually. Research suggests that up to 75% of surgical patients could have postponed an operation and managed with physical training. ERVIN.2 is an artificial intelligence (AI)-based clinical support system that addresses this problem by enhancing patient involvement in decisions concerning surgical knee and hip replacement. However, the clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of using such a system are scantily documented. Objective The primary objective is to investigate whether the usual care is non-inferior to ERVIN.2 supported care. The second objective is to determine if ERVIN.2 enhances clinical decision support and whether ERVIN.2 supported care is cost-effective. Methods This study used a single-centre, non-inferiority, randomised controlled in a two-arm parallel-group design. The study will be reported in compliance with CONSORT guidelines. The control group receives the usual care. As an add-on, the intervention group have access to baseline scores and predicted Oxford hip/knee scores and HRQoL for both the surgical and the non-surgical trajectory. A cost-utility analysis will be conducted alongside the trial using a hospital perspective, a 1-year time horizon and effects estimated using EQ-5D-3L. Results will be presented as cost per QALY gain. Discussion This study will bring knowledge about whether ERVIN.2 enhances clinical decision support, clinical effects, and cost-effectiveness of the AI system. The study design will not allow for the blinding of surgeons. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04332055 . Registered on 2 April 2020.

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