No evidence for the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary group based treatment program in patients with osteoarthritis of hands on the short term; results of a randomized controlled trial

151 patients with osteoarthritis of the hand were randomized to determine the efficacy of a multidisciplinary non-pharmacological treatment program compared to a single educational session. Outcomes of concern focused primarily on limitations in activities, along with pain and joint stiffness. The results at 13 weeks indicated that there was no significant difference between groups, and neither group significantly improved outcomes associated with condition. Approximately one-third of each group was determined to respond to treatment.