Research Assistant for Osteoarthritis Study

The purpose of this study is to test a program to help people who have knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA) to increase their physical activity (PA).  After enrollment activities are completed (e.g. informed consent, baseline assessment), participants are randomly assigned to one of two study groups. One group will participate in the OA-PCP intervention and will receive an initial PA coaching call then, 5 more calls.  The other group, called an Osteoarthritis (OA) Education group, will receive the same number of phone calls, focused on understanding OA and current information on treatment options. Both groups will complete a baseline assessment and follow-up assessments (at 6 and 12 months after completing the first phone call with the physical activity coach or health educator) over the telephone. Participants will also be asked to wear a small monitor that measures physical activity, at each assessment point.  Participants will be actively involved for about 12 months.  The study is done entirely by phone.

We are looking for students to assist us with recruitment calls, which would entail contacting potentially eligible patients and screening for eligibility and interest,  as well as completing enrollment activities to include administering verbal informed consent and administering baseline and follow-up assessments.  This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience working on a research study.

We would like a commitment of 3-5 hours per week but hours are flexible.

Students working on our study would be required to complete human subjects training i.e. CITI and GCP.

Interested students should send an application letter and a resume to Dr. Kimberlea Grimm at kimberlea_grimm@med.unc.edu.