SKOAP Study invitation

Your patients with Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) are invited to participate in the SKOAP Study. The study, which has two phases, compares different non-surgical treatments with the goal of reducing pain and improving function. Phase 1 compares different conservative treatments, including duloxetine, a web-based pain coping skills program, and other recommended treatments for KOA (e.g., topical creams, physical therapy). Phase 2 compares more aggressive treatments.

Why is the SKOAP Study important?

The overarching goal of the trial is to determine the comparative effectiveness of conservative behavioral and non-opioid pharmacological treatments (Phase 1) and, among those interested in additional treatment following conservative treatment and those inappropriate for conservative care, the benefits of non-surgical interventional treatments (Phase 2) to improve pain and function in KOA.

Why should I engage with the SKOAP Study?
  • It's an opportunity to support a study aimed at optimizing the non-surgical management of Knee Osteoarthritis pain.
  • It's an opportunity to engage in a national effort funded by the National Institutes of Health called The Helping to End Addiction Long-term® (HEAL) Initiative.
  • This will be the largest study to date examining outcomes of these treatments in KOA patients (estimated 1,500 participants nationwide).
What will I be asked to do?

Introduce the study to your eligible patients and share a brochure with them.

Which patients are eligible to participate?
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age 18+
  • Have been diagnosed with KOA
  • Have knee pain most days for at least 3 months
Major Exclusion Criteria
  • Inability to pay for interventions
    (insurance or otherwise)
  • Unwillingness to be randomized
What will my patients be asked to do?
  • Follow the treatment group to which they were randomized for at least 8 or 12 weeks.
  • Have 1 or 2 in-person or telemedicine visits for each phase of the study.
  • Eligible patients will be in the study for about a year since SKOAP includes long-term follow-up after treatment.
  • Receive a call, text, or email once a month for up to 2 years to answer questions about their KOA pain and function.
Phase 1 Treatment Group Options:
A. Best Practices + Duloxetine
B. Best Practices + Duloxetine + Online Coping Skills Training
Phase 2 Treatment Group Options:
A. Joint Injection
B. Long-Acting Nerve Block
C. Nerve Ablation

Who should I contact for more information?

skoapstudy@jhmi.edu