Researchers launch national program to reduce knee procedures and improve osteoarthritis care
Researchers at the Kolling Institute have received a remarkable $2.6 million Medical Research Future Fund grant for a large-scale project to reduce low-value care for people living with knee osteoarthritis. Led by Dr Jillian Eyles and Professor David Hunter, the project will test a practical approach to help health professionals provide the right care at the right time. Although clinical guidelines recommend education, exercise and weight management as the most effective first steps, two in three Australians do not receive this care. Instead, they’re referred for unnecessary scans and arthroscopic knee procedures which offer little benefit and potential harm. This study will support GPs and physiotherapists, giving them tools and practical support to confidently deliver evidence-based care. Dr Jillian Eyles said the project is about improving both patient experience and health outcomes. “We know that for many people, the journey into unnecessary osteoarthritis care starts with a scan. That scan can lead to referrals and procedures that don’t necessarily improve pain or function,” Dr Eyles said. “We believe we can reduce the burden of painful knee osteoarthritis in Australia by making some simple, practical changes to how it is diagnosed and managed. If we can support clinicians to feel confident diagnosing knee osteoarthritis without
unnecessary imaging - and support patients to feel comfortable with that approach - we can begin to interrupt that pathway.” Professor David Hunter said the heart of the project lies in restoring confidence in evidence-based care. “Exercise, education and weight management are proven to help people live well with osteoarthritis. Yet too often, these are overlooked in favour of quick fixes that don’t address the underlying issue,” Professor Hunter said. “This study is about backing our clinicians with the tools they need to deliver best- practice care and empowering patients to expect and ask for that care. If we get this right, we won’t just reduce unnecessary procedures, we’ll improve mobility, reduce pain and help people stay active and independent for longer.” The MRFF success was made possible by philanthropic funding from the Girgensohn Foundation, which enabled the team to generate data to help secure national investment. Dr Eyles said we are deeply grateful to the Girgensohn Foundation and the NORTH Foundation for believing in our approach. “It’s a powerful example of how philanthropy can deliver change at scale.” To support osteoarthritis research through the NORTH Foundation. https:// northfoundation.org.au/projects/ osteoarthritis-research
Dr Jillian Eyles
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NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 5| 27 MARCH 2026
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