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Reducing the burden of osteoarthritis in Aotearoa New Zealand

Year:
2022
Duration:
60 months
Approved budget:
$4,999,268.10
Researchers:
Professor J. Abbott
,
Dr Ross Wilson
,
Associate Professor Kirsten Coppell
,
Professor Jacquie Kidd
,
Dr Ricky Bell
,
Professor Søren Skou
,
Dr Kirsten Smiler
,
Professor Timothy Stokes
,
Dr Yana Pryymachenko
,
Dr Philippa Nicolson
,
Professor David Gwynne-Jones
,
Ms Angeline Tangiora
,
Professor Peter Choong
,
Professor Kim Bennell
,
Professor Rachelle Buchbinder
,
Professor Deborah Marshall
,
Professor Michelle Dowsey
,
Dr Jackie Whittaker
Host:
University of Otago
Health issue:
Rheumatology/arthritis
Proposal type:
Programme
Lay summary
Osteoarthritis is among the most common long-term conditions in New Zealand. The burden of pain, disability and economic costs is rising – especially for Māori. Access to treatments is poor. Joint replacement surgery is highly cost-effective, but demand – already straining capacity – is growing rapidly. Cost-effective interventions for early- and mid-stage osteoarthritis are known to have good outcomes and are potentially cost-saving compared to current practice, but are not being delivered. Multimorbidity is common. Coping with future demand will require optimising resource allocation; we must consider preventive measures and coordinated delivery of accessible, equitable, effective and cost-effective interventions. This programme of research of four linked multi-disciplinary projects will look at ways to deliver the best value for money and equity in managing osteoarthritis in the New Zealand public healthcare system, from prevention through to joint replacement surgery.