Orthotics for Treatment of Symptomatic Flat Feet in Children (OSTRICH)
Evidence shows that prefabricated orthoses, exercises and advice are among the most commonly used methods of treating paediatric symptomatic flat feet, but there is little evidence to demonstrate their effectiveness. OSTRICH is a multi-site randomised control trial that compares orthoses, exercises and advice with exercises and advice alone. Outcomes from this trial will inform better clinical practice, reduce unnecessary spending and ensure the best care for children and young people.
The University of Salford lead on delivery of fidelity and qualitative arms of the trial to understand how practice varies across the country, changes in service provision post-pandemic and the experience of patients accessing these services.
The study is run in partnership with the University of York and is a collaboration with researchers at the University of Oxford, King’s College London, University of Leeds, University of Warwick and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, in addition to input from our patient representatives.
The research is funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme (Project number: NIHR127510).
University of Salford Team
Dr Jane McAdam – Principal Investigator
Sally Gates – Qualitative Researcher
Shehnaz Akhtar – Clinical Trial Assistant