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van Tilburg ML, Spin I, Pisters MF, Staal JB, Ostelo RW, van der Velde M, Veenhof C, Kloek CJ. Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Digital Health Services for People With Musculoskeletal Conditions in the Primary Health Care Setting: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e49868. [PMID: 39190440 PMCID: PMC11387918 DOI: 10.2196/49868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of digital health services for people with musculoskeletal conditions have increasingly been studied and show potential. Despite the potential of digital health services, their use in primary care is lagging. A thorough implementation is needed, including the development of implementation strategies that potentially improve the use of digital health services in primary care. The first step in designing implementation strategies that fit the local context is to gain insight into determinants that influence implementation for patients and health care professionals. Until now, no systematic overview has existed of barriers and facilitators influencing the implementation of digital health services for people with musculoskeletal conditions in the primary health care setting. OBJECTIVE This systematic literature review aims to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital health services for people with musculoskeletal conditions in the primary health care setting. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL were searched for eligible qualitative and mixed methods studies up to March 2024. Methodological quality of the qualitative component of the included studies was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A framework synthesis of barriers and facilitators to implementation was conducted using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). All identified CFIR constructs were given a reliability rating (high, medium, or low) to assess the consistency of reporting across each construct. RESULTS Overall, 35 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Methodological quality was high in 34 studies and medium in 1 study. Barriers (-) of and facilitators (+) to implementation were identified in all 5 CFIR domains: "digital health characteristics" (ie, commercial neutral [+], privacy and safety [-], specificity [+], and good usability [+]), "outer setting" (ie, acceptance by stakeholders [+], lack of health care guidelines [-], and external financial incentives [-]), "inner setting" (ie, change of treatment routines [+ and -], information incongruence (-), and support from colleagues [+]), "characteristics of the healthcare professionals" (ie, health care professionals' acceptance [+ and -] and job satisfaction [+ and -]), and the "implementation process" (involvement [+] and justification and delegation [-]). All identified constructs and subconstructs of the CFIR had a high reliability rating. Some identified determinants that influence implementation may be facilitators in certain cases, whereas in others, they may be barriers. CONCLUSIONS Barriers and facilitators were identified across all 5 CFIR domains, suggesting that the implementation process can be complex and requires implementation strategies across all CFIR domains. Stakeholders, including digital health intervention developers, health care professionals, health care organizations, health policy makers, health care funders, and researchers, can consider the identified barriers and facilitators to design tailored implementation strategies after prioritization has been carried out in their local context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Leendert van Tilburg
- Innovation of Movement Care Research Group, Research Centre for Healthy and Sustainable Living, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ivar Spin
- Innovation of Movement Care Research Group, Research Centre for Healthy and Sustainable Living, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Martijn F Pisters
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Research Group Empowering Healthy Behaviour, Department of Health Innovations and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - J Bart Staal
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Group, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Raymond Wjg Ostelo
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, VU University, Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Miriam van der Velde
- Innovation of Movement Care Research Group, Research Centre for Healthy and Sustainable Living, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Cindy Veenhof
- Innovation of Movement Care Research Group, Research Centre for Healthy and Sustainable Living, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Corelien Jj Kloek
- Innovation of Movement Care Research Group, Research Centre for Healthy and Sustainable Living, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Marcuzzi A, Klevanger NE, Aasdahl L, Gismervik S, Bach K, Mork PJ, Nordstoga AL. An Artificial Intelligence-Based App for Self-Management of Low Back and Neck Pain in Specialist Care: Process Evaluation From a Randomized Clinical Trial. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e55716. [PMID: 38980710 PMCID: PMC11267091 DOI: 10.2196/55716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-management is endorsed in clinical practice guidelines for the care of musculoskeletal pain. In a randomized clinical trial, we tested the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence-based self-management app (selfBACK) as an adjunct to usual care for patients with low back and neck pain referred to specialist care. OBJECTIVE This study is a process evaluation aiming to explore patients' engagement and experiences with the selfBACK app and specialist health care practitioners' views on adopting digital self-management tools in their clinical practice. METHODS App usage analytics in the first 12 weeks were used to explore patients' engagement with the SELFBACK app. Among the 99 patients allocated to the SELFBACK interventions, a purposive sample of 11 patients (aged 27-75 years, 8 female) was selected for semistructured individual interviews based on app usage. Two focus group interviews were conducted with specialist health care practitioners (n=9). Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Nearly one-third of patients never accessed the app, and one-third were low users. Three themes were identified from interviews with patients and health care practitioners: (1) overall impression of the app, where patients discussed the interface and content of the app, reported on usability issues, and described their app usage; (2) perceived value of the app, where patients and health care practitioners described the primary value of the app and its potential to supplement usual care; and (3) suggestions for future use, where patients and health care practitioners addressed aspects they believed would determine acceptance. CONCLUSIONS Although the app's uptake was relatively low, both patients and health care practitioners had a positive opinion about adopting an app-based self-management intervention for low back and neck pain as an add-on to usual care. Both described that the app could reassure patients by providing trustworthy information, thus empowering them to take actions on their own. Factors influencing app acceptance and engagement, such as content relevance, tailoring, trust, and usability properties, were identified. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04463043; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04463043.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Marcuzzi
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Nina Elisabeth Klevanger
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lene Aasdahl
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Unicare Helsefort Rehabilitation Center, Rissa, Norway
| | - Sigmund Gismervik
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kerstin Bach
- Department of Computer Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Paul Jarle Mork
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anne Lovise Nordstoga
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Geraghty AWA, Becque T, Roberts LC, Hill JC, Foster NE, Yardley L, Stuart B, Turner DA, Hay E, Griffiths G, Webley F, Durcan L, Morgan A, Hughes S, Bathers S, Butler-Walley S, Wathall S, Mansell G, White M, Davies F, Little P. Supporting self-management of low back pain with an internet intervention with and without telephone support in primary care (SupportBack 2): a randomised controlled trial of clinical and cost-effectiveness. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2024; 6:e424-e437. [PMID: 38824934 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(24)00086-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain is prevalent and a leading cause of disability. We aimed to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an accessible, scalable internet intervention for supporting behavioural self-management (SupportBack). METHODS Participants in UK primary care with low back pain without serious spinal pathology were randomly assigned 1:1:1 using computer algorithms stratified by disability level and telephone-support centre to usual care, usual care and SupportBack, or usual care and SupportBack with physiotherapist telephone-support (three brief calls). The primary outcome was low back pain-related disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ] score) at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months using a repeated measures model, analysed by intention to treat using 97·5% CIs. A parallel economic evaluation from a health services perspective was used to estimate cost-effectiveness. People with lived experience of low back pain were involved in this trial from the outset. This completed trial was registered with ISRCTN, ISRCTN14736486. FINDINGS Between Nov 29, 2018, and Jan 12, 2021, 825 participants were randomly assigned (274 to usual care, 275 to SupportBack only, 276 to SupportBack with telephone-support). Participants had a mean age of 54 (SD 15), 479 (58%) of 821 were women and 342 (42%) were men, and 591 (92%) of 641 were White. Follow-up rates were 687 (83%) at 6 weeks, 598 (73%) at 3 months, 589 (72%) at 6 months, and 652 (79%) at 12 months. For the primary analysis, 736 participants were analysed (249 usual care, 245 SupportBack, and 242 SupportBack with telephone support). At a significance level of 0·025, there was no difference in RMDQ over 12 months with SupportBack versus usual care (adjusted mean difference -0·5 [97·5% CI -1·2 to 0·2]; p=0·085) or SupportBack with telephone-support versus usual care (-0·6 [-1·2 to 0·1]; p=0·048). There were no treatment-related serious adverse events. The economic evaluation showed that the SupportBack group dominated usual care, being both more effective and less costly. Both interventions were likely to be cost-effective at a threshold of £20 000 per quality adjusted life year compared with usual care. INTERPRETATION The SupportBack internet interventions did not significantly reduce low back pain-related disability over 12 months compared with usual care. They were likely to be cost-effective and safe. Clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and safety should be considered together when determining whether to apply these interventions in clinical practice. FUNDING National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Technology Assessment (16/111/78).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W A Geraghty
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Taeko Becque
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lisa C Roberts
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Jonathan C Hill
- School of Medicine, Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Nadine E Foster
- School of Medicine, Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, Keele University, Keele, UK; STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lucy Yardley
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol and Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - David A Turner
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Elaine Hay
- School of Medicine, Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Gareth Griffiths
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Frances Webley
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lorraine Durcan
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Alannah Morgan
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Stephanie Hughes
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sarah Bathers
- Keele Clinical Trials Unit, School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | | | - Simon Wathall
- Keele Clinical Trials Unit, School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Gemma Mansell
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Malcolm White
- Patient and Public Involvement Representatives, Southampton, UK
| | - Firoza Davies
- Patient and Public Involvement Representatives, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Bhardwaj A, Barry Walsh C, Ezzat A, O'Riordan C, Kennedy N, Toomey CM. Patient and clinician perspectives of online-delivered exercise programmes for chronic musculoskeletal conditions: a mixed-methods systematic review. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:2196-2212. [PMID: 37341382 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2224085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To synthesize common or differing perceptions of patients' and clinicians' that influence uptake of online-delivered exercise programmes (ODEPs) for chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. METHODS Eight databases were searched from inception to April 2023 for studies including (1) patients with and/or clinicians delivering ODEPs for chronic MSK conditions, and (2) synchronous ODEPs, where information is exchanged simultaneously (mode A); asynchronous ODEPs, with at least one synchronous feature (mode B); or no ODEPs, documenting past experiences and/or likelihood of participating in an ODEP (mode C). Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists were used to assess study quality. Perceptions of patients' and clinicians' influencing uptake of ODEPs were extracted. Quantitative and qualitative data were synthesised and integrated. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were included (twelve quantitative, seven qualitative, and two mixed-methods) investigating the perceptions of 1275 patients and 534 clinicians on ODEP mode A (n = 7), mode B (n = 8), and mode C (n = 6). Sixteen of the 23 identified perceptions related to satisfaction, acceptability, usability, and effectiveness were common, with 70% of perceptions facilitating uptake and 30% hindering uptake. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the need to promote targeted education for patients and clinicians addressing interconnected perceptions, and to develop evidence-based perception-centred strategies encouraging integrated care and guideline-based management of chronic MSK conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avantika Bhardwaj
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Caoimhe Barry Walsh
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Allison Ezzat
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cliona O'Riordan
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Norelee Kennedy
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Clodagh M Toomey
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Ames H, Hestevik CH, Briggs AM. Acceptability, values, and preferences of older people for chronic low back pain management; a qualitative evidence synthesis. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:24. [PMID: 38182977 PMCID: PMC10768085 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04608-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic primary low back pain (CPLBP) and other musculoskeletal conditions represent a sizable attribution to the global burden of disability, with rates greatest in older age. There are multiple and varied interventions for CPLBP, delivered by a wide range of health and care workers. However, it is not known if these are acceptable to or align with the values and preferences of care recipients. The objective of this synthesis was to understand the key factors influencing the acceptability of, and values and preferences for, interventions/care for CPLBP from the perspective of people over 60 and their caregivers. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL and OpenAlex, for eligible studies from inception until April 2022. We included studies that used qualitative methods for data collection and analysis; explored the perceptions and experiences of older people and their caregivers about interventions to treat CPLBP; from any setting globally. We conducted a best fit framework synthesis using a framework developed specifically for this review. We assessed our certainty in the findings using GRADE-CERQual. RESULTS All 22 included studies represented older people's experiences and had representation across a range of geographies and economic contexts. No studies were identified on caregivers. Older people living with CPLBP express values and preferences for their care that relate to therapeutic encounters and the importance of therapeutic alliance, irrespective of the type of treatment, choice of intervention, and intervention delivery modalities. Older people with CPLBP value therapeutic encounters that validate, legitimise, and respect their pain experience, consider their context holistically, prioritise their needs and preferences, adopt a person-centred and tailored approach to care, and are supported by interprofessional communication. Older people valued care that provided benefit to them, included interventions beyond analgesic medicines alone and was financially and geographically accessible. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide critical context to the implementation of clinical guidelines into practice, particularly related to how care providers interact with older people and how components of care are delivered, their location and their cost. Further research is needed focusing on low- and middle-income settings, vulnerable populations, and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Ames
- The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, 0213, Oslo, Skøyen, Norway.
| | | | - Andrew M Briggs
- Ageing and Health Unit, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health and Ageing, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, PO Box U1987, Perth, 6845, Western Australia
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Hunter R, Beattie M, O'Malley C, Gorely T. Mobile apps to self-manage chronic low back pain: A realist synthesis exploring what works, for whom and in what circumstances. PEC INNOVATION 2023; 3:100175. [PMID: 38213759 PMCID: PMC10782115 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Objective Chronic low back pain places a significant burden on healthcare services and sufferers. Clinical guidelines state that it is a condition that requires self-management. This realist synthesis explores how a mobile app could help people to self-manage chronic low back pain. Method Six databases and several non-academic sources were searched. In addition, nineteen realist interviews were conducted with stakeholders. Sources were selected and appraised for relevancy, richness, and rigour. Data was coded with analytical memos making retroductive inferences. Causal explanations were presented in context-mechanism-outcome configurations to form three programme theories. Results Data from 57 sources was synthesised to create 16 context-mechanism-outcome configurations and presented as three refined programme theories. The findings suggest people need to feel believed before they will engage with a self-management app. For those who feel abandoned by the healthcare service, a self-management app for chronic low back pain can be a valuable source of ongoing support and reduce feelings of social isolation. Conclusion A self-management app, if introduced appropriately and as adjunct to care, can be an empowering tool to self-manage chronic low back pain. Innovation Using input from key stakeholders enhances our understanding of the hidden generative mechanisms underpinning a programme's success or failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Hunter
- Department Nursing and Midwifery, University of Highlands and Islands, Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Beattie
- Department Nursing and Midwifery, University of Highlands and Islands, Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Chris O'Malley
- Specialist Librarian (Learning and Information Services), University of Highlands and Islands, Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Trish Gorely
- Department Nursing and Midwifery, University of Highlands and Islands, Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Areias AC, Molinos M, Moulder RG, Janela D, Scheer JK, Bento V, Yanamadala V, Cohen SP, Correia FD, Costa F. The potential of a multimodal digital care program in addressing healthcare inequities in musculoskeletal pain management. NPJ Digit Med 2023; 6:188. [PMID: 37816899 PMCID: PMC10564877 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00936-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital interventions have emerged as a solution for time and geographical barriers, however, their potential to target other social determinants of health is largely unexplored. In this post-hoc analysis, we report the impact of social deprivation on engagement and clinical outcomes after a completely remote multimodal musculoskeletal (MSK) digital care program managed by a culturally-sensitive clinical team. Patients were stratified in five categories according to their social deprivation index, and cross-referenced with their race/ethnicity, rurality and distance to healthcare facilities. From a total of 12,062 patients from all U.S. states, 8569 completed the program. Higher social deprivation was associated with greater baseline disease burden. We observed that all categories reported pain improvements (ranging from -2.0 95%CI -2.1, -1.9 to -2.1 95%CI -2.3, -1.9, p < 0.001) without intergroup differences in mean changes or responder rates (from 59.9% (420/701) to 66.6% (780/1172), p = 0.067), alongside reduction in analgesic consumption. We observed significant improvements in mental health and productivity across all categories, with productivity and non-work-related functional recovery being greater within the most deprived group. Engagement was high but varied slightly across categories. Together these findings highlight the importance of a patient-centered digital care program as a tool to address health inequities in musculoskeletal pain management. The idea of investigating social deprivation within a digital program provides a foundation for future work in this field to identify areas of improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert G Moulder
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | - Justin K Scheer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Vijay Yanamadala
- Sword Health, Inc, Draper, UT, USA
- Department of Surgery, Quinnipiac University Frank H. Netter School of Medicine, Hamden, CT, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hartford Healthcare Medical Group, Westport, CT, USA
| | - Steven P Cohen
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fernando Dias Correia
- Sword Health, Inc, Draper, UT, USA
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Mavragani A, Röttele N, van der Keylen P, Schöpf-Lazzarino AC, Klimmek M, Körner M, Schnitzius K, Voigt-Radloff S, Maun A, Sofroniou M, Farin-Glattacker E. The Acceptance, Usability, and Utility of a Web Portal for Back Pain as Recommended by Primary Care Physicians: Qualitative Interview Study With Patients. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e38748. [PMID: 36580365 PMCID: PMC9837709 DOI: 10.2196/38748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An ever-increasing number of patients seek health information via the internet. However, there is an overabundance of differing, often low-quality information available, while a lack of health literacy makes it difficult for patients to understand and assess the quality and trustworthiness of the information at hand. The web portal tala-med was thus conceived as an evidence-based, up-to-date, and trustworthy information resource for lower back pain (LBP), which could be used by primary care physicians (PCPs) and patients during and following consultations for LBP. The current evidence demonstrates that patients with LBP could benefit from web portals. However, the use of such portals by patients remains low, thus limiting their effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to explore the factors that promote or hinder the use of web portals and investigate how patients perceive their usability and utility. OBJECTIVE In this study, we investigated the acceptance, usability, and utility of the web portal tala-med from the patient perspective. METHODS This qualitative study was based on telephone interviews with patients who had access to the web portal tala-med from their PCP. We used a semistructured interview guide that consisted of questions about the consultation in which patients were introduced to tala-med, in addition to questions regarding patient perceptions, experiences, and utilization of tala-med. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through framework analysis. RESULTS A total of 32 half-hour interviews were conducted with 16 female and 16 male patients with LBP. We identified 5 themes of interest: the use of tala-med by PCPs during the consultation, the use of tala-med by patients, its usability, added values derived from its use, and the resultant effects of using tala-med. PCPs used tala-med as an additional information resource for their patients and recommended the exercises. The patients appreciated these exercises and were willing to use tala-med at home. We also identified factors that promoted or hindered the use of tala-med by patients. Most patients rated tala-med positively and considered it a clear, comprehensible, trustworthy, and practical resource. In particular, the trustworthiness of tala-med was seen as an advantage over other information resources. The possibilities offered by tala-med to recap and reflect on the contents of consultations in a time-flexible and independent manner was perceived as an added value to the PCP consultation. CONCLUSIONS Tala-med was well accepted by patients and appeared to be well suited to being used as an add-on to PCP consultations. Patient perception also supports its usability and utility. Tala-med may therefore enrich consultations and assist patients who would otherwise be unable to find good-quality web-based health information on LBP. In addition, our findings support the future development of digital health platforms and their successful use as a supplement to PCP consultations. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s12875-019-0925-8.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole Röttele
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Piet van der Keylen
- Institute of General Practice, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea Christina Schöpf-Lazzarino
- Section of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Klimmek
- Section of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mirjam Körner
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schnitzius
- Institute of General Practice, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Voigt-Radloff
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andy Maun
- Institute of General Practice / Family Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mario Sofroniou
- Institute of General Practice / Family Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Erik Farin-Glattacker
- Section of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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9
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Digital Rehabilitation Programs Improve Therapeutic Exercise Adherence for Patients With Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022; 52:726-739. [PMID: 35960507 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2022.11384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of digital rehabilitation for improving adherence to therapeutic exercise in people with musculoskeletal conditions. DESIGN: Intervention systematic review with meta-analysis. LITERATURE SEARCH: Five databases were searched from their inception to March 2022. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials evaluating digital rehabilitation programs to improve adherence to therapeutic exercise for people with musculoskeletal conditions. DATA SYNTHESIS: We calculated standardized mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Certainty of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. RESULTS: Eleven trials were included in the meta-analysis (n = 1144 participants). At short-term follow-up, digital rehabilitation was no better than nondigital rehabilitation (3 trials, adherence rate of prescribed exercise test SMD 0.50, 95% CI: -0.13, 1.13; 2 trials, self-reported exercise adherence test MD 1.07, 95% CI: 0.58, 1.56; 2 trials, assessor-reported exercise adherence test SMD -0.10, 95% CI: -0.56, 0.36). At intermediate-term follow-up, digital rehabilitation improved exercise adherence compared with nondigital rehabilitation (6 trials, adherence rate of prescribed exercise test SMD 0.53, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.70; 2 trials, self-reported exercise adherence test MD 1.50, 95% CI: 0.76, 2.25; 2 trials, Exercise Adherence Rating Scale test MD 5.86, 95% CI: 0.08, 11.65). At long-term follow-up, there was no clinically important difference between digital and nondigital rehabilitation (2 trials, adherence rate of prescribed exercise test SMD 0.28, 95% CI: -0.14, 0.70; 1 trial, self-reported exercise adherence test MD 0.20, 95% CI: -0.91, 1.31). CONCLUSION: Digital rehabilitation was effective at improving therapeutic exercise adherence in musculoskeletal conditions at mid-term follow-up, but not at short- and long-term follow-up. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(11):726-739. Epub: 12 August 2022. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11384.
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Fernandes LG, Oliveira RFF, Barros PM, Fagundes FRC, Soares RJ, Saragiotto BT. Physical therapists and public perceptions of telerehabilitation: An online open survey on acceptability, preferences, and needs. Braz J Phys Ther 2022; 26:100464. [PMID: 36410257 PMCID: PMC9659283 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2022.100464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation allowed the continuation of physical therapy care in parallel with public health measures to prevent the virus spread. However, in low- and middle-income countries including Brazil, telerehabilitation was unfamiliar to most of the population. OBJECTIVE To investigate acceptability, preferences, and needs in telerehabilitation by Brazilian physical therapists and the general population. METHODS We conducted an observational cross-sectional study with an online survey consisting of 13 multiple-choice items. Items were distributed among acceptability, preferences, and needs sections, and encompassed confidence in delivering or receiving telerehabilitation, its perceived efficacy and costs, and suitable content. RESULTS A total of 1107 responses were registered, 717 from physical therapists. Half of them self-reported confidence in conducting telerehabilitation through the internet (synchronous or asynchronous). The same proportion disagreed that telerehabilitation is as effective as in-person interventions. Physical therapists agreed telerehabilitation should contain educational, self-management strategies, and exercises information, but the general population endorsed the provision of technical advice on exercise execution. The general population mostly reported that telerehabilitation could help their specific health condition (86%), but only 14% of respondents would pay the same as they pay for in-person consultations. Participants reported an overall preference for synchronous communication and concern about the lack of a hands-on approach. CONCLUSION Physical therapists and the general population appear to demonstrate apprehension towards telerehabilitation. Insufficient preparation or inadequate knowledge might influence participants' acceptance, preferences, and needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia G Fernandes
- Masters and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Centre for Pain, Health, and Lifestyle (CPHL) Brazil.
| | - Rafael F F Oliveira
- Masters and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Centre for Pain, Health, and Lifestyle (CPHL) Brazil
| | - Pamela M Barros
- Masters and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe R C Fagundes
- Masters and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Renato J Soares
- Physical Therapy Department, Universidade de Taubaté, Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno T Saragiotto
- Masters and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Centre for Pain, Health, and Lifestyle (CPHL) Brazil; Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
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11
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Svendsen MJ, Nicholl BI, Mair FS, Wood K, Rasmussen CDN, Stochkendahl MJ. One size does not fit all: Participants' experiences of the selfBACK app to support self-management of low back pain-a qualitative interview study. Chiropr Man Therap 2022; 30:41. [PMID: 36192724 PMCID: PMC9531397 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-022-00452-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for disability globally. Digital interventions are a promising means of supporting people to self-manage LBP, but implementation of digital interventions has been suboptimal. An artificial intelligence-driven app, selfBACK, was developed to support self-management of LBP as an adjunct to usual care. To better understand the process of implementation from a participant perspective, we qualitatively explored factors influencing embedding, integrating, and sustaining engagement with the selfBACK app, and the self-perceived effects, acceptability, and satisfaction with the selfBACK app. METHODS Using a qualitative interview study and an analytic framework approach underpinned by Normalization Process Theory (NPT), we investigated the experiences of patients who participated in the selfBACK randomized controlled trial (RCT). Interviews focused on the motivation to participate in the RCT, experiences of using the selfBACK app, and views about future intended use and potential of using digital health interventions for self-management of LBP. Participants were purposively sampled to represent diversity in age, sex, and implementation reflected by a proxy measure of number of app-generated self-management plans during the first three months of RCT participation. RESULTS Twenty-six participants aged 21-78, eleven females and fifteen men, with two to fourteen self-management plans, were interviewed between August 2019 and April 2020. A broad range of factors influencing implementation of selfBACK within all constructs of NPT were identified. Key facilitating factors were preferences and beliefs favoring self-management, a friendly, motivational, and reassuring supporter, tailoring and personalization, convenience and ease of use, trustworthiness, perceiving benefits, and tracking achievements. Key impeding factors were preferences and beliefs not favoring self-management, functionality issues, suboptimal tailoring and personalization, insufficient time or conflicting life circumstances, not perceiving benefits, and insufficient involvement of health care practitioners. Self-perceived effects on pain and health, behavior/attitude, and gaining useful knowledge varied by participant. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of LBP globally coupled with the advantages of providing help through an app offers opportunities to help countless people. A range of factors should be considered to facilitate implementation of self-management of LBP or similar pain conditions using digital health tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malene J. Svendsen
- grid.10825.3e0000 0001 0728 0170Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55 Odense M, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark ,grid.418079.30000 0000 9531 3915The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Barbara I. Nicholl
- grid.8756.c0000 0001 2193 314XGeneral Practice and Primary Care, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, GB UK
| | - Frances S. Mair
- grid.8756.c0000 0001 2193 314XGeneral Practice and Primary Care, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, GB UK
| | - Karen Wood
- grid.8756.c0000 0001 2193 314XGeneral Practice and Primary Care, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, GB UK
| | - Charlotte D. N. Rasmussen
- grid.418079.30000 0000 9531 3915The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette J. Stochkendahl
- grid.10825.3e0000 0001 0728 0170Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55 Odense M, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark ,Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark
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12
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Costa F, Janela D, Molinos M, Moulder R, Bento V, Lains J, Scheer J, Yanamadala V, Cohen S, Dias Correia F. Impacts of Digital Care Programs for Musculoskeletal Conditions on Depression and Work Productivity: Longitudinal Cohort Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e38942. [PMID: 35714099 PMCID: PMC9361146 DOI: 10.2196/38942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comorbidity between musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and depression is highly common, and is associated with a greater symptom burden and greater loss of work productivity than either condition alone. Multimodal care programs tackling both physical and mental health components may maximize productivity recovery and return to work. Digital delivery of such programs can facilitate access, ensure continuity of care, and enhance patient engagement. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a completely remote multimodal digital care program (DCP) for MSK pain on mental health and work-related outcomes stratified by baseline depression levels. METHODS Ad hoc analysis of an interventional, single-arm, cohort study of individuals with MSK pain undergoing a DCP was performed. Three subgroups with different baseline depression severity levels were established based on responses to the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): cluster 1 (score<5: minimal depression), cluster 2 (scores 5-10: mild depression), and cluster 3 (score≥10: moderate depression). The mean changes in depression, anxiety, fear-avoidance beliefs, work productivity, and activity impairment and adherence between baseline and end of program (8-12 weeks) were assessed across subgroups by latent growth curve analysis. RESULTS From a total of 7785 eligible participants, 6137 (78.83%) were included in cluster 1, 1158 (14.87%) in cluster 2, and 490 (6.29%) in cluster 3. Significant improvements in depression and anxiety scores were observed in clusters 2 and 3 but not in cluster 1, with average end-of-the program scores in clusters 2 and 3 below the initially defined cluster thresholds (score of 5 and 10, respectively). All clusters reported significant improvements in productivity impairment scores (mean changes from -16.82, 95% CI -20.32 to -13.42 in cluster 1 to -20.10, 95% CI -32.64 to -7.57 in cluster 3). Higher adherence was associated with higher improvements in depression in clusters 2 and 3, and with greater recovery in activities of daily living in cluster 3. Overall patient satisfaction was 8.59/10.0 (SD 1.74). CONCLUSIONS A multimodal DCP was able to promote improvements in productivity impairment scores comparable to those previously reported in the literature, even in participants with comorbid depression and anxiety. These results reinforce the need to follow a biopsychosocial framework to optimize outcomes in patients with MSK pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04092946; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04092946.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Robert Moulder
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States
| | | | - Jorge Lains
- Rovisco Pais Medical and Rehabilitation Centre, Tocha, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra University, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Justin Scheer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Vijay Yanamadala
- SWORD Health Inc, Draper, UT, United States
- Department of Surgery, Frank H Netter School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hartford Healthcare Medical Group, Westport, CT, United States
| | - Steven Cohen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Fernando Dias Correia
- SWORD Health Inc, Draper, UT, United States
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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13
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Chala MB, Miller J, Ghahari S, Wondie Y, Abebe A, Donnelly C. Health care providers' understanding of self-management support for people with chronic low back pain in Ethiopia: an interpretive description. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:194. [PMID: 35164738 PMCID: PMC8842538 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07610-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare providers play a key role in supporting people with chronic low back pain to self-manage their condition. The study aimed at exploring how health care providers understand and conceptualize self-management and how they provide self-management support for people with chronic low back pain in Ethiopia. METHODS Health care providers who have supported people with low back pain, including medical doctors and physiotherapists, were approached and recruited from three hospitals in Ethiopia. This study employed an interpretive descriptive approach using semi-structured interviews. FINDINGS Twenty-four participants (7 women; 17 men) with a median age of 28 (range 24 to 42) years and a median of 9.5 years (range 1 to 11 years) of helping people with chronic low back pain were interviewed. Seven major themes related to health care providers' understanding of self-management support for people with chronic low back pain in Ethiopia emerged. The findings show that self-management was a new concept to many and health care providers' had a fragmented understanding of self-management. They used or suggested several self-management support strategies to help people with CLBP self-manage their condition without necessarily focusing on enhancing their self-efficacy skills. The participants also discussed several challenges to facilitate self-management support for people with chronic low back pain. Despite the lack of training on the concept, the providers discussed the potential of providing self-management support for people with the condition. CONCLUSIONS Self-management was a new concept to health care providers. The providers lack the competencies to provide self-management support for people with chronic low back pain. There is a need to enhance the health care providers' self-management support competencies through training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulugeta Bayisa Chala
- Queen's University, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Kingston, ON, Canada. .,Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Jordan Miller
- Queen's University, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Setareh Ghahari
- Queen's University, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Yemataw Wondie
- Department of Psychology, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abey Abebe
- Queen's University, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Catherine Donnelly
- Queen's University, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Fernandes LG, Devan H, Fioratti I, Kamper SJ, Williams CM, Saragiotto BT. At my own pace, space, and place: a systematic review of qualitative studies of enablers and barriers to telehealth interventions for people with chronic pain. Pain 2022; 163:e165-e181. [PMID: 34433776 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Telehealth is a promising approach to support self-management with the potential to overcome geographical barriers. Understanding patient perspectives will identify practical challenges to delivering self-management strategies by telehealth. The aim of this study was to synthesize the perceptions of people with chronic musculoskeletal pain for engaging in interventions delivered using telehealth. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, and PsycINFO databases. We included qualitative studies that explored perceptions or experiences or attitudes of people with chronic musculoskeletal pain engaging with telehealth. We assessed the methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Meta-synthesis was guided by a thematic synthesis approach. The level of confidence of review findings was assessed using the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Studies (GRADE-CERQual). Twenty-one studies were included (n = 429). Telehealth comprised web-based, videoconference-based, telephone-based, video-based, and smartphone app-based programs delivered solely or combined. Chronic musculoskeletal conditions included people with knee or hip osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, persistent pain (chronic joint pain or nonspecific chronic musculoskeletal pain), rheumatoid arthritis, and functional fatigue syndrome. The enablers for engaging in telehealth interventions were as follows: (1) "at my own pace, space, and place" and (2) empowered patient. Barriers to engaging in telehealth interventions were as follows: (1) impersonal, (2) technological challenges, (3) irrelevant content, and (4) limited digital (health) literacy. Telehealth interventions with well-designed interactive platforms, flexibility to fit patients' routine, and the broad availability of material may favor better engagement. Encouragement of self-efficacy is linked to successful telehealth-delivered self-management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia G Fernandes
- Masters and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade São Paulo (UNICID), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hemakumar Devan
- Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHARR), School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Iuri Fioratti
- Masters and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade São Paulo (UNICID), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Steven J Kamper
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Nepean Hospital, Penrith NSW, Australia
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney Local Health District and The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Christopher M Williams
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
| | - Bruno T Saragiotto
- Masters and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade São Paulo (UNICID), São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney Local Health District and The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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15
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Lewkowicz D, Slosarek T, Wernicke S, Winne A, Wohlbrandt AM, Bottinger E. Digital Therapeutic Care and Decision Support Interventions for People With Low Back Pain: Systematic Review. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2021; 8:e26612. [PMID: 34807837 PMCID: PMC8663573 DOI: 10.2196/26612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of worldwide years lost because of disability, with a tremendous economic burden for health care systems. Digital therapeutic care (DTC) programs provide a scalable, universally accessible, and low-cost approach to the multidisciplinary treatment of LBP. Moreover, novel decision support interventions such as personalized feedback messages, push notifications, and data-driven activity recommendations amplify DTC by guiding the user through the program while aiming to increase overall engagement and sustainable behavior change. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to synthesize recent scientific literature on the impact of DTC apps for people with LBP and outline the implementation of add-on decision support interventions, including their effect on user retention and attrition rates. METHODS We searched bibliographic databases, including MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, from March 1, 2016, to October 15, 2020, in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and conducted this review based on related previously published systematic reviews. Besides randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we also included study designs with the evidence level of at least a retrospective comparative study. This enables the consideration of real-world user-generated data and provides information regarding the adoption and effectiveness of DTC apps in a real-life setting. For the appraisal of the risk of bias, we used the Risk of Bias 2 Tool and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions Tool for the RCTs and nonrandomized trials, respectively. The included studies were narratively synthesized regarding primary and secondary outcome measures, DTC components, applied decision support interventions, user retention, and attrition rates. RESULTS We retrieved 1388 citations, of which 12 studies are included in this review. Of the 12 studies, 6 (50%) were RCTs and 6 (50%) were nonrandomized trials. In all included studies, lower pain levels and increased functionality compared with baseline values were observed in the DTC intervention group. A between-group comparison revealed significant improvements in pain and functionality levels in 67% (4/6) of the RCTs. The study population was mostly homogeneous, with predominantly female, young to middle-aged participants of normal to moderate weight. The methodological quality assessment revealed moderate to high risks of biases, especially in the nonrandomized trials. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review demonstrates the benefits of DTC for people with LBP. There is also evidence that decision support interventions benefit overall engagement with the app and increase participants' ability to self-manage their recovery process. Finally, including retrospective evaluation studies of real-world user-generated data in future systematic reviews of digital health intervention trials can reveal new insights into the benefits, challenges, and real-life adoption of DTC programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lewkowicz
- Digital Health Center, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Tamara Slosarek
- Digital Health Center, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sarah Wernicke
- Digital Health Center, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Antonia Winne
- Digital Health Center, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Attila M Wohlbrandt
- Digital Health Center, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Erwin Bottinger
- Digital Health Center, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at Mount Sinai, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
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16
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Cheung L, Soundy A. The Impact of Reassurance on Musculoskeletal (MSK) Pain: A Qualitative Review. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:150. [PMID: 34821611 PMCID: PMC8615035 DOI: 10.3390/bs11110150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reassurance provided during patient-therapist interactions is significantly associated with psychosocial outcomes, including fear and increased confidence. Currently, there are no available reviews that discuss the impact of reassurance for patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. The aim of the present review was to qualitatively synthesize themes around reassurance mechanisms, and the impact during the interaction between patients with MSK pain and therapists. A systematic search strategy was undertaken. Studies were included if they were qualitative or mixed methods studies, examining the patient-therapist consultation, in any MSK clinical setting, with any health care professional, for adult patients with acute to chronic MSK pain. A thematic synthesis was conducted and supported by a particular assessment using CERQual. RESULTS Twenty-four studies were included (451 patients). Certain themes that related to both positive and negative outcomes of reassurance were identified as well as themes that illustrate the mechanisms causative of the outcomes. Using CerQual, we identified the most supported outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Effective reassurance includes affectionate interactions such as therapeutic relationship building and interpersonal skills, an individualized patient-centered approach, education and the provision of self-management strategies. It should be noted that some interactions that use pathoanatomic models led patients to misinterpret the information provided, this created feelings of fear.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Soundy
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
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17
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Wallace LM, Falla D, Rushton A, Heneghan NR. Group and individual telehealth for chronic musculoskeletal pain: A scoping review. Musculoskeletal Care 2021; 20:245-258. [PMID: 34668312 DOI: 10.1002/msc.1594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain presents a global challenge. Individual and group pain management programmes (PMPs) are recommended approaches for patients with chronic MSK disorders. With advances in remote healthcare capability, telehealth, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of telehealth PMPs has become even more evident. Nevertheless, it is not known how patients perceive PMPs for their MSK complaint when delivered via telehealth. OBJECTIVE To synthesise the evidence of patients' experiences of group and individual telehealth PMPs for chronic MSK pain. DESIGN A scoping review informed by the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. DATA SOURCES Based on a planned search strategy, modified following initial searches, an electronic search was conducted of key databases: Cochrane Library, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, AMED, SportDiscus and APA PsychInfo from 2010 until 11 May 2021. STUDY SELECTION Any qualitative or mixed methods study reporting patient experiences of telehealth PMPs for patients with MSK disorders. DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS Data were extracted and synthesised using thematic analysis. RESULTS From 446 identified studies, 10 were included. Just two studies investigated group telehealth PMPs for patients with MSK disorders, with eight delivered individually. Four main themes emerged: (1) Usability of the technology, (2) Tailored care, (3) Therapeutic alliance and (4) Managing behaviour. The findings highlight patient acceptability of telehealth to support self-management for chronic MSK disorders, with appropriate clinical and technical support. Group telehealth has the potential to empower patients with peer support. Remote delivery of PMPs also impacts on how patients and providers interact, communicate and develop a therapeutic relationship. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Barriers and enablers to engagement in telehealth PMPs for patients with chronic MSK disorders have been identified. Peer support and group cohesiveness can be achieved remotely to enhance the patient experience. There is a critical need for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Wallace
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - D Falla
- Chair in Rehabilitation Science and Physiotherapy, Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - A Rushton
- School of Physical Therapy, Western University, Elborn College, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - N R Heneghan
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Self-management for chronic widespread pain including fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254642. [PMID: 34270606 PMCID: PMC8284796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic widespread pain (CWP) including fibromyalgia has a prevalence of up to 15% and is associated with substantial morbidity. Supporting psychosocial and behavioural self-management is increasingly important for CWP, as pharmacological interventions show limited benefit. We systematically reviewed the effectiveness of interventions applying self-management principles for CWP including fibromyalgia. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry were searched for studies reporting randomised controlled trials of interventions adhering to self-management principles for CWP including fibromyalgia. Primary outcomes included physical function and pain intensity. Where data were sufficient, meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model. Studies were narratively reviewed where meta-analysis could not be conducted Evidence quality was rated using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) (PROSPERO-CRD42018099212). RESULTS Thirty-nine completed studies were included. Despite some variability in studies narratively reviewed, in studies meta-analysed self-management interventions improved physical function in the short-term, post-treatment to 3 months (SMD 0.42, 95% CI 0.20, 0.64) and long-term, post 6 months (SMD 0.36, 95% CI 0.20, 0.53), compared to no treatment/usual care controls. Studies reporting on pain narratively had greater variability, however, those studies meta-analysed showed self-management interventions reduced pain in the short-term (SMD -0.49, 95% CI -0.70, -0.27) and long-term (SMD -0.38, 95% CI -0.58, -0.19) compared to no treatment/usual care. There were few differences in physical function and pain when self-management interventions were compared to active interventions. The quality of the evidence was rated as low. CONCLUSION Reviewed studies suggest self-management interventions can be effective in improving physical function and reducing pain in the short and long-term for CWP including fibromyalgia. However, the quality of evidence was low. Future research should address quality issues whilst making greater use of theory and patient involvement to understand reported variability.
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Geraghty AWA, Roberts L, Hill J, Foster NE, Yardley L, Hay E, Stuart B, Turner D, Griffiths G, Webley F, Durcan L, Morgan A, Hughes S, Bathers S, Butler-Walley S, Wathall S, Mansell G, Leigh L, Little P. Supporting self-management of low back pain with an internet intervention in primary care: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial of clinical and cost-effectiveness (SupportBack 2). BMJ Open 2020; 10:e040543. [PMID: 32819960 PMCID: PMC7440707 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Self-management and remaining physically active are first-line recommendations for the care of patients with low back pain (LBP). With a lifetime prevalence of up to 85%, novel approaches to support behavioural self-management are needed. Internet interventions may provide accessible support for self-management of LBP in primary care. The aim of this randomised controlled trial is to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the 'SupportBack' internet intervention, with or without physiotherapist telephone support in reducing LBP-related disability in primary care patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A three-parallel arm, multicentre randomised controlled trial will compare three arms: (1) usual primary care for LBP; (2) usual primary care for LBP and an internet intervention; (3) usual primary care for LBP and an internet intervention with additional physiotherapist telephone support. Patients with current LBP and no indicators of serious spinal pathology are identified and invited via general practice list searches and mailouts or opportunistic recruitment following LBP consultations. Participants undergo a secondary screen for possible serious spinal pathology and are then asked to complete baseline measures online after which they are randomised to an intervention arm. Follow-ups occur at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is physical function (using the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire) over 12 months (repeated measures design). Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, troublesome days in pain over the last month, pain self-efficacy, catastrophising, kinesophobia, health-related quality of life and cost-related measures for a full health economic analysis. A full mixed-methods process evaluation will be conducted. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial has been approved by a National Health Service Research Ethics Committee (REC Ref: 18/SC/0388). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conferences, communication with practices and patient groups. Patient representatives will support the implementation of our full dissemination strategy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN14736486.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W A Geraghty
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Lisa Roberts
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton & University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Jonathan Hill
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Nadine E Foster
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Lucy Yardley
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Elaine Hay
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - David Turner
- Keele Clinical Trials Unit, School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, Newcastle, UK
| | - Gareth Griffiths
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Frances Webley
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lorraine Durcan
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alannah Morgan
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Stephanie Hughes
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Sarah Bathers
- Keele Clinical Trials Unit, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | | | - Simon Wathall
- Keele Clinical Trials Unit, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Gemma Mansell
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Linda Leigh
- Patient and Public Involvement Representative, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
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