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Pross T, Karsten MM, Blohmer JU. From Gaps to Solutions: Semi-Structured Interviews to Identify Care Gaps in Breast Cancer Care and How to Solve Them with Digital Solutions. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2024; 84:845-854. [PMID: 39229629 PMCID: PMC11368466 DOI: 10.1055/a-2369-1489] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Standardized treatment pathways should make it easier for medical staff and patients to achieve the best possible individual treatment outcome by making sure all relevant information are taken into consideration. The aim of this paper is to identify gaps in care along the treatment pathway through semi-structured patient interviews. Subsequently, it will be discussed if mobile health applications can close these identified gaps in care. Material and Methods Nine semi-structured interviews of patients with invasive lobular breast cancer were conducted in March 2023 in German at the breast cancer center at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, which were subsequently transcribed word for word and processed using a thematic analysis approach. Results Eight recurring themes are identified in the patient interviews: 1. Limited capacity to absorb information, 2. Discrepancy between information needs and information provision, 3. Need for individual initiative, 4. Uncertainty, 5. not being seen and heard, 6. Patient's desires and suggestions for improvement, 7. Use of mobile health apps, 8. Support through an app for patients. Conclusions The identified gaps in care of breast cancer patients can be largely addressed through the use of digital health solutions after the establishment of regulatory frameworks, thus improving care for patients with early breast cancer. Trial Registration The interviews were done within a registry for which ethical approval was obtained by the Ethics Committee of Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin EA4/180/17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Pross
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Margarete Karsten
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens-Uwe Blohmer
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Purushothaman VK, Ramalingam V, Subbarayalu AV, Raman V, Prabaharan S, Subramaniam A, Vijayakumar S, Krishnan Vasanthi R. From home to health: Telerehabilitation's contribution to physical activity and quality of life in young adult teleworkers. Work 2024:WOR230745. [PMID: 39121147 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global implementation of full-time telework became widespread during the new normal conditions following the pandemic, resulting in reduced physical activity (PA) among teleworkers and young adults. It is vital to comprehend how telehealth interventions favorably impact PA levels and overall well-being of young adults who face increasingly blurred boundaries between work and home life. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to examine the effect of telerehabilitation (TR) on PA levels and quality of life (QoL) in young adult teleworkers. METHODS A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 82 teleworkers (54 females and 28 males). Levels of PA and QoL were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL-14) questionnaire. TR was provided to all participants for four weeks, three times a week, for 40 minutes per session. Levels of PA and QoL were evaluated at baseline and after four weeks of the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS After four weeks of TR, there has been a significant improvement in the scores of IPAQ and HRQOL-14 (p < 0.05). In regards to IPAQ-SF results, TR had a significant effect on the sitting or sedentary behavior of the teleworkers. CONCLUSION The results showed that a short-term TR intervention improved both the level of PA and QoL in young adult teleworkers. Therefore, TR may be an effective treatment approach to improve PA and QoL and promote a healthy lifestyle in teleworkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinosh Kumar Purushothaman
- Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Vinodhkumar Ramalingam
- Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Arun Vijay Subbarayalu
- Department of Physical Therapy, Deanship of Quality and Academic Accreditation, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vinoth Raman
- Deanship of Quality and Academic Accreditation, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sivasankar Prabaharan
- Deanship of Quality and Academic Accreditation, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ambusam Subramaniam
- M Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Malaysia
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Seven B, Gökkurt A, Koç M, Küpeli B, Oskay D. Investigation of the barriers to and functional outcomes of telerehabilitation in patients with hand injury. J Hand Ther 2024; 37:378-387. [PMID: 38307736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telerehabilitation is an approach that is growing in importance and rapidly becoming more prevalent. However, the potential barriers to this approach and its effectiveness relative to face-to-face treatment still need to be determined. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the technology and access barriers, implementation and organizational challenges, and communication barriers faced by patients undergoing postoperative telerehabilitation after hand tendon repair surgery. It also aimed to investigate the effect of telerehabilitation on pain, kinesiophobia, and functional outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, open-label, nonrandomized comparative clinical study. METHODS The study was conducted with 44 patients who underwent tendon repair surgery due to tendon injuries of the extrinsic muscles of the hand. Participants were divided into two groups (face-to-face group and telerehabilitation group). All participants received three physiotherapy sessions per week for 8 weeks from their surgery (via video conference using mobile phones to the telerehabilitation group). An early passive motion protocol was applied for flexor tendon and zone 5-7 extensor tendon repairs. Mallet finger rehabilitation was performed for zone 2 extensor tendon repairs, while an early active short arc approach was used for zone 3-4 repairs. The telerehabilitation and face-to-face groups received the same treatment protocols three times a week. In the eighth week of treatment (in the 24th session), the Turkish version of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Injury Questionnaire (DASH-T) and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia were administered to all patients. The telerehabilitation group also underwent a barrier questionnaire. A pretreatment assessment could not be conducted. The independent-sample t-test was used for DASH-T data, and the Mann-Whitney U-test was used for Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia to compare groups. RESULTS In the study, there were 24 participants (age: 31.58 ± 12.02 years) in the face-to-face group and 20 participants (age: 39.25 ± 12.72 years) in the telerehabilitation group. The two groups were similar in terms of DASH-T and pain (p = 0.103, effect size = 0.647, and p = 0.086, effect size = 0.652, respectively) in the 8 weeks. However, the telerehabilitation group had a higher fear of movement (p = 0.017, effect size = 3.265). The most common barriers to telerehabilitation practices were the fear of damaging the tendon repair and the need for help during the treatment. CONCLUSIONS We determined that face-to-face treatment in acute physiotherapy for patients who have undergone tendon repair may be more effective compared to telerehabilitation, as it appears to be less likely to induce kinesiophobia. However, in situations where face-to-face treatment is not possible (such as lockdown), telerehabilitation can also be preferred after at least one in-person session to teach and perform exercises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış Seven
- İzmir Katip Çelebi University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, İzmir, Turkey.
| | - Ahmet Gökkurt
- Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Meltem Koç
- Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Buse Küpeli
- Gazi University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deran Oskay
- Gazi University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey
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Bramble LA, Tracy B, Siverling S, Mizuta J, Juliano K, Plack M. Patient, Provider, and Organizational Considerations for Implementing Rehabilitation Telehealth. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:173-186. [PMID: 37318832 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0133] [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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: While telehealth services (THS) have been around for some time, for many in the rehabilitation services, it is a new mode of service delivery. THS can be as effective as face-to-face care and are valued by patients and clinicians. However, THS present considerable challenges and may not be appropriate for everyone. Clinicians and organizations must be prepared to triage and manage patients in this environment. Aims of this study were to capture clinician perceptions of the implementation of THS in rehabilitation and use the insights gained to provide strategies for overcoming implementation challenges. Methods: An electronic survey was emailed to 234 rehabilitation clinicians in a large urban hospital. Completion was voluntary and anonymous. Qualitative analysis of the open-ended responses consisted of an iterative consensus-driven interpretivist approach. Multiple strategies were used to minimize bias and optimize trustworthiness. Results: From the 48 responses received, four themes were identified: (1) THS provide unique benefits for patients, providers, and organizations; (2) challenges arose in multiple domains (clinical, technological, environmental, and regulatory); (3) clinicians require specific personal, clinical, and technological knowledge, skills, and attributes to be effective; and (4) individual characteristics, session type, home environment, and needs must be considered in patient selection. Discussion and Conclusion: From the themes identified, a conceptual framework illustrating the keys to effective implementation of THS was developed. Recommendations addressing challenges across multiple domains (clinical, technological, environmental, and regulatory), and at all levels of care delivery (patient, provider, and organization) are provided. Insights gained from this study can be used by clinicians in advocating for and designing effective THS programs. Educators would also gain from using these recommendations to train students and clinicians to recognize and address the challenges they may encounter in providing THS in rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brad Tracy
- Evidence in Motion, Sugar Grove, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Jay Mizuta
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karen Juliano
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Margaret Plack
- The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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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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Barbosa JC, Comachio J, Marques AP, Saragiotto BT, Magalhaes MO. Effect of a telerehabilitation exercise program versus a digital booklet with self-care for patients with chronic non-specific neck pain: a protocol of a randomized controlled trial assessor-blinded, 3 months follow-up. Trials 2023; 24:616. [PMID: 37770963 PMCID: PMC10537532 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07651-z] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neck pain is the fourth worldwide leading cause of disability and represents 22% of musculoskeletal disorders. Conservative intervention has been strongly recommended to treat chronic neck pain and Telerehabilitation is the alternative for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. There is a lack of high-quality research on the effects of telerehabilitation in patients with neck pain and functional disability. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of a telerehabilitation exercise program versus a digital booklet only with self-care information in individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain. METHODS This is a prospectively registered, assessor-blinded, two-arm randomized controlled trial comparing a telerehabilitation exercise program versus a digital booklet with self-care information. Seventy patients will be recruited with non-specific chronic neck pain. Follow-ups will be conducted post-treatment, 6 weeks, and 3 months after randomization. The primary outcome will be disability at post-treatment (6 weeks) measured using neck pain disability. Secondary outcomes will be pain intensity levels, global perceived effect, self-efficacy, quality of life, kinesiophobia, and adherence to treatment. In our hypothesis, patients allocated to the intervention group experience outcomes that are similar to those of those assigned to the self-care digital booklet. Our hypothesis can then be approved or disapproved based on the results of the study. DISCUSSION This randomized clinical trial will provide reliable information on the use of telerehabilitation to treat patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was prospectively registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (number: RBR-10h7khvk). Registered on 16 September 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliene Corrêa Barbosa
- Master's Program in Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém-Pará, 66050-160, Brazil
| | - Josielli Comachio
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Musculoskeletal HealthCharles Perkins CentreUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2009, Australia
| | - Amelia Pasqual Marques
- Department of Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Rehabilitation Sciences Program, São Paulo, 05360-160, Brazil
| | - Bruno Tirotti Saragiotto
- Master's and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São, Paulo, São Paulo, 03071-000, Brazil
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Areias AC, Janela D, Molinos M, Moulder RG, Bento V, Yanamadala V, Cohen SP, Correia FD, Costa F. Managing Musculoskeletal Pain in Older Adults Through a Digital Care Solution: Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Clinical Study. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2023; 10:e49673. [PMID: 37465960 PMCID: PMC10466151 DOI: 10.2196/49673] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging is closely associated with an increased prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions. Digital musculoskeletal care interventions emerged to deliver timely and proper rehabilitation; however, older adults frequently face specific barriers and concerns with digital care programs (DCPs). OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate whether known barriers and concerns of older adults impacted their participation in or engagement with a DCP or the observed clinical outcomes in comparison with younger individuals. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of a single-arm investigation assessing the recovery of patients with musculoskeletal conditions following a DCP for up to 12 weeks. Patients were categorized according to age: ≤44 years old (young adults), 45-64 years old (middle-aged adults), and ≥65 years old (older adults). DCP access and engagement were evaluated by assessing starting proportions, completion rates, ability to perform exercises autonomously, assistance requests, communication with their physical therapist, and program satisfaction. Clinical outcomes included change between baseline and program end for pain (including response rate to a minimal clinically important difference of 30%), analgesic usage, mental health, work productivity, and non-work-related activity impairment. RESULTS Of 16,229 patients, 12,082 started the program: 38.3% (n=4629) were young adults, 55.7% (n=6726) were middle-aged adults, and 6% (n=727) were older adults. Older patients were more likely to start the intervention and to complete the program compared to young adults (odds ratio [OR] 1.72, 95% CI 1.45-2.06; P<.001 and OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.97-2.92; P<.001, respectively) and middle-aged adults (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.45; P=.03 and OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.14-1.68; P=.001, respectively). Whereas older patients requested more technical assistance and exhibited a slower learning curve in exercise performance, their engagement was higher, as reflected by higher adherence to both exercise and education pieces. Older patients interacted more with the physical therapist (mean 12.6, SD 18.4 vs mean 10.7, SD 14.7 of young adults) and showed higher satisfaction scores (mean 8.7, SD 1.9). Significant improvements were observed in all clinical outcomes and were similar between groups, including pain response rates (young adults: 949/1516, 62.6%; middle-aged adults: 1848/2834, 65.2%; and older adults: 241/387, 62.3%; P=.17). CONCLUSIONS Older adults showed high adherence, engagement, and satisfaction with the DCP, which were greater than in their younger counterparts, together with significant clinical improvements in all studied outcomes. This suggests DCPs can successfully address and overcome some of the barriers surrounding the participation and adequacy of digital models in the older adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dora Janela
- Sword Health, Inc, Draper, UT, United States
| | | | - Robert G Moulder
- Sword Health, Inc, Draper, UT, United States
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 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 P Cohen
- Departments of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Departments of Anesthesiology and 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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Kiadaliri A, Lohmander LS, Ignjatovic MM, Nero H, Dahlberg LE. Digital self-management of hip and knee osteoarthritis and trajectories of work and activity impairments. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:207. [PMID: 36934223 PMCID: PMC10024026 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06322-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the trajectories of work and activity impairments among people participating in a digital self-management program for osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS We conducted an observational longitudinal study using data for baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months follow ups from people participating in a digital OA treatment between June 2018 and September 2021. The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-Osteoarthritis (WPAI-OA) questionnaire was used to measure work and activity impairments. We applied linear mixed models and group-based trajectory modelling (GBTM) to assess the trajectories of work and activity impairments and their variability. Dominance analysis was performed to explore the relative importance of baseline characteristics in predicting the trajectory subgroup membership. RESULTS A total of 14,676 participants with mean (± standard deviation) age 64.0 (± 9.1) years and 75.5% females were included. The adjusted mean improvements in work impairment from baseline were 5.8% (95% CI 5.3, 6.4) to 6.1% (95% CI 5.5, 6.8). The corresponding figures for activity impairment were 9.4% (95% CI 9.0, 9.7) to 11.3% (95% CI 10.8, 11.8). GBTM identified five (low baseline-declining, moderate baseline-declining, high baseline-declining, very high baseline-substantially declining, and very high baseline-persistent) and three (low baseline-declining, mild baseline-declining, high baseline-declining) subgroups with distinct trajectories of activity and work impairments. Dominance analysis showed that baseline pain was the most important predictor of membership in trajectory subgroups. CONCLUSION While participation in a digital self-management program for OA was, on average, associated with improvements in work and activity impairments, there were substantial variations among the participants. Baseline pain may provide useful insights to predict trajectories of work and activity impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kiadaliri
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Orthopaedics, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Centre for Economic Demography, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Arthro Therapeutics, Malmö, Sweden.
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Skåne University Hospital, Remissgatan 4, Lund, SE-221 85, Sweden.
| | - L Stefan Lohmander
- Arthro Therapeutics, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Orthopaedics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Håkan Nero
- Arthro Therapeutics, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Orthopaedics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Leif E Dahlberg
- Arthro Therapeutics, Malmö, Sweden
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Skåne University Hospital, Remissgatan 4, Lund, SE-221 85, Sweden
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Scheer J, Areias AC, Molinos M, Janela D, Moulder R, Lains J, Bento V, Yanamadala V, Dias Correia F, Costa F. Engagement and Utilization of a Complete Remote Digital Care Program for Musculoskeletal Pain Management in Urban and Rural Areas Across the United States: Longitudinal Cohort Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e44316. [PMID: 36735933 PMCID: PMC10132051 DOI: 10.2196/44316] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are the number one cause of disability worldwide. Digital care programs (DCPs) for MSK pain management have arisen as alternative care delivery models to circumvent challenges in accessibility of conventional therapy. Despite the potential of DCPs to reduce inequities in accessing care, the outcomes of such interventions in rural and urban populations have yet to be studied. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the impact of urban or rural residency on engagement and clinical outcomes after a multimodal DCP for MSK pain. METHODS This study consists of an ad hoc analysis of a decentralized single-arm investigation into engagement and clinical-related outcomes after a multimodal DCP in patients with MSK conditions. Patients were coded according to their zip codes to a specific rural-urban commuting area code and grouped into rural and urban cohorts. Changes in their engagement and clinical outcomes from baseline to program end were assessed. Latent growth curve analysis was performed to estimate change trajectories adjusting for the following covariates: age, gender, BMI, employment status, and pain acuity. Outcomes included engagement, self-reported pain, and the results of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item, Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item, and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment scales. A minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of 30% was considered for pain. RESULTS Patients with urban and rural residency across the United States participated in the program (n=9992). A 73.8% (7378/9992) completion rate was observed. Both groups reported high satisfaction scores and similar engagement with exercise sessions, with rural residents showing higher engagement with educational content (P<.001) and higher program completion rates (P=.02). All groups showed a significant improvement in all clinical outcomes, including pain, mental health, and work productivity, without statistically significant intergroup differences. The percentage of patients meeting the MCID was similar in both groups (urban: 67.1%, rural: 68.3%; P=.30). CONCLUSIONS This study advocates for the utility of a DCP in improving access to MSK care in urban and rural areas alike, showcasing its potential to promote health equity. High engagement, satisfaction, and completion rates were noted in both groups, as well as significant improvements in clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04092946; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04092946.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Scheer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Robert Moulder
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Jorge Lains
- Rovisco Pais Medical and Rehabilitation Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra University, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Vijay Yanamadala
- Sword Health Inc, Draper, UT, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hartford Healthcare Medical Group, Westport, CT, United States
- Department of Surgery, Frank H Netter School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, 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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10
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Gupta L, Najm A, Kabir K, De Cock D. Digital health in musculoskeletal care: where are we heading? BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:192. [PMID: 36918856 PMCID: PMC10012296 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06309-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders launched a Collection on digital health to get a sense of where the wind is blowing, and what impact these technologies are and will have on musculoskeletal medicine. This editorial summarizes findings and focuses on some key topics, which are valuable as digital health establishes itself in patient care. Elements discussed are digital tools for the diagnosis, prognosis and evaluation of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, coupled together with advances in methodologies to analyse health records and imaging. Moreover, the acceptability and validity of these digital advances is discussed. In sum, this editorial and the papers presented in this article collection on Digital health in musculoskeletal care will give the interested reader both a glance towards which future we are heading, and which new challenges these advances bring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latika Gupta
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK.,City Hospital, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK.,Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Aurélie Najm
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Sir Graeme Davies Building Level 4, Glasgow, UK.,NHS Royal Alexandra Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Koroush Kabir
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Diederik De Cock
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Research Group, Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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11
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Areias AC, Costa F, Janela D, Molinos M, Moulder RG, Lains J, Scheer JK, Bento V, Yanamadala V, Cohen SP, Correia FD. Impact on productivity impairment of a digital care program for chronic low back pain: A prospective longitudinal cohort study. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2023; 63:102709. [PMID: 36543719 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability in the United States and the main reason for absenteeism. Successful management of chronic LBP (CLBP) is dependent on multimodal evidence-based interventions. Digital interventions (DI) may ease accessibility to such treatments, increasing adherence, while reducing healthcare-related costs. OBJECTIVES Assess the impact of a completely remote multimodal DI on productivity impairment in a real-work context cohort of patients with CLBP. DESIGN Longitudinal study. METHODS Ad-hoc analysis of an interventional, single-arm study of individuals with CLBP undergoing a DI for 12 weeks. Outcomes included the mean change in work productivity and activity impairment (including overall and non-work related activities), pain, depression, anxiety, fear-avoidance beliefs, analgesic usage, and engagement. Minimal clinically important change (MCIC) was calculated for productivity using anchor- and distribution-based methods. RESULTS From 560 patients at program start, 78.4% completed the DI. A significant improvement in overall productivity (20.21, 95%CI: 16.48-23.94) and in non-work related activities (21.36, 95%CI: 17.49-25.22) was observed, corresponding to a responder rate of 57.1-83.3% and 60.5-79.8%, respectively, and depending on the MCIC method. Significant improvements were reported for pain (2.32 points, 95%CI: 2.02-2.61), anxiety (5.24, 95%CI: 4.18-6.29), depression (6.38, 95%CI: 4.78-7.98) and fear-avoidance beliefs (8.11, 95%CI: 6.20-10.02). Both engagement (sessions per week) and patient satisfaction scores were high, 2.9 (SD 1.0) and 8.8/10 (SD 1.6), respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the utility of a multimodal DI to address productivity impairment. DIs have great potential to ease the burden of CLBP, providing an accessible and cost-effective modality of care. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was approved by the New England IRB (protocol number 120190313) and prospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04092946, on September 17th, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Robert G Moulder
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
| | - Jorge Lains
- Rovisco Pais Medical and Rehabilitation Centre, 3064-908, Tocha, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra University, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Justin K Scheer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | | | - Vijay Yanamadala
- Sword Health, Inc, UT, 84043, USA; Department of Surgery, Quinnipiac University Frank H. Netter School of Medicine, Hamden, CT, 06473, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Hartford Healthcare Medical Group, Westport, CT, 06103, USA.
| | - Steven P Cohen
- Departments of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 21287, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Anesthesiology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, 20814, MD, USA.
| | - Fernando Dias Correia
- Sword Health, Inc, UT, 84043, USA; Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal.
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12
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Hernández-Lázaro H, Mingo-Gómez MT, Jiménez-del-Barrio S, Lahuerta-Martín S, Hernando-Garijo I, Medrano-de-la-Fuente R, Ceballos-Laita L. Researcher's Perspective on Musculoskeletal Conditions in Primary Care Physiotherapy Units through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF): A Scoping Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020290. [PMID: 36830831 PMCID: PMC9953260 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020290] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are the second cause of disability in the world. The International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) is a tool for systematically describing functioning. Outcome measures for musculoskeletal disorders and functioning concepts embedded in them have not been described under the ICF paradigm. The objective of this scoping review was to identify ICF categories representing the researcher's perspective and to compare them with the ICF core set for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions. (2) Methods: This review was conducted as follows: (a) literature search using MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus databases; (b) study selection applying inclusion criteria (PICOS): musculoskeletal conditions in primary care, application of physiotherapy as a treatment, outcome measures related to functioning, and experimental or observational studies conducted in Western countries during the last 10 years; (c) extraction of relevant concepts; (d) linkage to the ICF; (e) frequency analysis; and (f) comparison with the ICF core set. (3) Results: From 540 studies identified, a total of 51 were included, and 108 outcome measures were extracted. In the ICF linking process, 147 ICF categories were identified. Analysis of data showed that 84.2% of the categories in the ICF core set for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions can be covered by the outcome measures analyzed. Sixty-eight relevant additional ICF categories were identified. (4) Conclusion: Outcome measures analyzed partially represent the ICF core set taken as a reference. The identification of additional categories calls into question the applicability of this core set in primary care physiotherapy units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Hernández-Lázaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
- Clinical Research in Health Sciences Group, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
- Ólvega Primary Care Health Center (Soria, Spain), Soria Health Care Management, Castilla y León Regional Health Management (SACYL), 47007 Valladolid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Mingo-Gómez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
- Clinical Research in Health Sciences Group, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
| | - Sandra Jiménez-del-Barrio
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
- Clinical Research in Health Sciences Group, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Ignacio Hernando-Garijo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
- Clinical Research in Health Sciences Group, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
| | - Ricardo Medrano-de-la-Fuente
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
- Clinical Research in Health Sciences Group, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
| | - Luis Ceballos-Laita
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
- Clinical Research in Health Sciences Group, University of Valladolid, 42004 Soria, Spain
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13
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Scheer JK, Costa F, Janela D, Molinos M, Areias AC, Moulder RG, Lains J, Bento V, Yanamadala V, Correia FD. Sleep Disturbance in Musculoskeletal Conditions: Impact of a Digital Care Program. J Pain Res 2023; 16:33-46. [PMID: 36636267 PMCID: PMC9830709 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s394421] [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: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is highly prevalent worldwide, resulting in significant disability, and comorbid sleep disturbances. Digital therapy for MSK pain can provide significant improvements in care access, alongside pain and disability reductions. However, studies on the effect of such programs on sleep are lacking. Purpose To evaluate the impact on pain-related sleep impairment after a 12-week remote multimodal digital care program (DCP) for MSK conditions. Patients and Methods This is an ad-hoc analysis of a decentralized single-arm study into engagement and clinical outcomes after a DCP for MSK rehabilitation. Patients were stratified by baseline sleep disturbance, based on sleep questions in the questionnaires: Oswestry Disability Index, Neck Disability Index, and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. Additional outcomes were pain, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, Patient Health 9-item questionnaire, Work Productivity, and Activity Impairment, and program engagement. Results At baseline, 5749 patients reported sleep disturbance (78.0% of eligible patients). These reported significantly worse clinical outcomes at baseline than patients without sleep disturbance (all p<0.001). Patients with comorbid sleep disturbance showed improvements in sleep, with a significant proportion reporting full recovery at program completion: 56% of patients with upper limb conditions (including 10% of patients with severe sleep disturbance at baseline), and 24% with spine conditions. These patients also reported significant improvements in all clinical outcomes at program completion. Engagement and satisfaction were high, and also higher than in patients without sleep impairment. Conclusion This is the first study of its kind investigating the effect of a completely remote DCP for MSK pain on sleep. Patients reporting comorbid sleep disturbance had significant improvement in sleep, alongside pain, mental health and work productivity at program completion. The results suggest that a DCP for MSK pain can improve sleep disturbances in patients with upper limb and spine conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin K Scheer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert G Moulder
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Jorge Lains
- Rovisco Pais Medical and Rehabilitation Centre, Tocha, Portugal,Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra University, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - 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
| | - Fernando Dias Correia
- Sword Health, Inc, Draper, UT, USA,Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Correspondence: Fernando Dias Correia, Sword Health Inc, 13937 Sprague Lane Ste 100, Draper, UT, 84020, USA, Tel +1 385-308-8034, Fax +1 801-206-3433, Email
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14
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Janela D, Costa F, Weiss B, Areias AC, Molinos M, Scheer JK, Lains J, Bento V, Cohen SP, Correia FD, Yanamadala V. Effectiveness of biofeedback-assisted asynchronous telerehabilitation in musculoskeletal care: A systematic review. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231176696. [PMID: 37325077 PMCID: PMC10262679 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231176696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Telerehabilitation may be a viable option in the management of these conditions, facilitating access and patient adherence. Nevertheless, the impact of biofeedback-assisted asynchronous telerehabilitation remains unknown. Objective To systematically review and assess the effectiveness of exercise-based asynchronous biofeedback-assisted telerehabilitation on pain and function in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. Methods This systematic review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was conducted using three databases: PubMed, Scopus, and PEDro. Study criteria included articles written in English and published from January 2017 to August 2022, reporting interventional trials evaluating exercise-based asynchronous telerehabilitation using biofeedback in adults with musculoskeletal disorders. The risks of bias and certainty of evidence were appraised using the Cochrane tool and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), respectively. The results are narratively summarized, and the effect sizes of the main outcomes were calculated. Results Fourteen trials were included: 10 using motion tracker technology (N = 1284) and four with camera-based biofeedback (N = 467). Telerehabilitation with motion trackers yields at least similar improvements in pain and function in people with musculoskeletal conditions (effect sizes: 0.19-1.45; low certainty of evidence). Uncertain evidence exists for the effectiveness of camera-based telerehabilitation (effect sizes: 0.11-0.13; very low evidence). No study found superior results in a control group. Conclusions Asynchronous telerehabilitation may be an option in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Considering its potential for scalability and access democratization, additional high-quality research is needed to address long-term outcomes, comparativeness, and cost-effectiveness and identify treatment responders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brandon Weiss
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Justin K. Scheer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jorge Lains
- Rovisco Pais Medical and Rehabilitation Centre, Tocha, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra University, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Steven P. Cohen
- Departments of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Anesthesiology, 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
| | - 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
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15
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Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of a Remote Digital Musculoskeletal Program: An Ad Hoc Analysis from a Longitudinal Study with a Non-Participant Comparison Group. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10122349. [PMID: 36553873 PMCID: PMC9778537 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10122349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital solutions have emerged as an alternative to conventional physiotherapy, particularly for chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) management; however, its long-term effects remain largely unexplored. This study focuses on patients reporting CMP, assessing 1-year clinical outcomes after a multimodal digital care program (DCP) versus non-participants, who enrolled in the program but never engaged in a single exercise session or partook of the educational content made available to them. In this longitudinal study ad-hoc analysis, pain and functionality outcomes at 1-year reassessment were studied, focusing on the odds of reaching minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and, overall average reduction in both outcomes. Healthcare utilization was additionally studied within the same period. From 867 individuals allocated to the study, 460 completed the 1-year reassessment (intervention group: 310; comparison group: 150). The intervention group presented sustained and greater pain reduction until 1-year reassessment than the comparison group, reflecting greater odds ratio of achieving the MCID both in pain and functionality (1.90 95% CI: 1.27-2.86, p = 0.002 and 2.02 95% CI: 1.31-3.12, p = 0.001, respectively). A lower healthcare utilization during the 1-year follow-up was observed in the intervention group than in the comparison group. This study suggests that a digital CMP program may have a lasting impact on improved pain and functionality in patients with CMP.
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16
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Scheer J, Costa F, Molinos M, Areias A, Janela D, Moulder RG, Lains J, Bento V, Yanamadala V, Cohen SP, Correia FD. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Outcomes of a 12-Week Digital Rehabilitation Program for Musculoskeletal Pain: Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e41306. [PMID: 36189963 PMCID: PMC9664333 DOI: 10.2196/41306] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain disproportionately affects people from different ethnic backgrounds through higher burden and less access to care. Digital care programs (DCPs) can improve access and help reduce inequities. However, the outcomes of such programs based on race and ethnicity have yet to be studied. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the impact of race and ethnicity on engagement and outcomes in a multimodal DCP for MSK pain. METHODS This was an ad hoc analysis of an ongoing decentralized single-arm investigation into engagement and clinical-related outcomes after a multimodal DCP in patients with MSK conditions. Patients were stratified by self-reported racial and ethnic group, and their engagement and outcome changes between baseline and 12 weeks were compared using latent growth curve analysis. Outcomes included program engagement (number of sessions), self-reported pain scores, likelihood of surgery, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item, and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment. A minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of 30% was calculated for pain, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate race as an independent predictor of meeting the MCID. RESULTS A total of 6949 patients completed the program: 65.5% (4554/6949) of them were non-Hispanic White, 10.8% (749/6949) were Black, 9.7% (673/6949) were Asian, 9.2% (636/6949) were Hispanic, and 4.8% (337/6949) were of other racial or ethnic backgrounds. The population studied was diverse and followed the proportions of the US population. All groups reported high engagement and satisfaction, with Hispanic and Black patients ranking first among satisfaction despite lower engagement. Black patients had a higher likelihood to drop out (odds ratio [OR] 1.19, 95% CI 1.01-1.40, P=.04) than non-Hispanic White patients. Hispanic and Black patients reported the highest level of pain, surgical intent, work productivity, and impairment in activities of daily living at baseline. All race groups showed a significant improvement in all outcomes, with Black and Hispanic patients reporting the greatest improvements in clinical outcomes. Hispanic patients also had the highest response rate for pain (75.8%) and a higher OR of meeting the pain MCID (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.24-2.45, P=.001), when compared with non-Hispanic White patients, independent of age, BMI, sex, therapy type, education level, and employment status. No differences in mental health outcomes were found between race and ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS This study advocates for the utility of a DCP in improving access to MSK care and promoting health equity. Engagement and satisfaction rates were high in all the groups. Black and Hispanic patients had higher MSK burden at baseline and lower engagement but also reported higher improvements, with Hispanic patients presenting a higher likelihood of pain improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Scheer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Dora Janela
- Sword Health, Inc, Draper, UT, United States
| | - Robert G Moulder
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Jorge Lains
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra University, Coimbra, Portugal
- Rovisco Pais Medical and Rehabilitation Centre, Tocha, Portugal
| | | | - 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 P Cohen
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 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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17
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Paolucci T, de Sire A, Ferrillo M, di Fabio D, Molluso A, Patruno A, Pesce M, Lai C, Ciacchella C, Saggino A, Agostini F, Tommasi M. Telerehabilitation proposal of mind-body technique for physical and psychological outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia. Front Physiol 2022; 13:917956. [PMID: 36091366 PMCID: PMC9459112 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.917956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is characterized by the close correlation of chronic widespread pain and other non-pain related symptoms. Aim of this study was to investigate whether telerehabilitation that provides physical and psychological support services of the mind-body techniques can affect the clinical profile and pain relief of FM patients. The study included twenty-eight female FM patients, mean aged 56.61 ± 8.56 years. All patients underwent a rehabilitation treatment (8 sessions, 1/week, 1 h/each) through Zoom platform, with the following principles of rehabilitation treatment: Anchoring to a positive emotion; listen and perceive your “own” body; conscious breathing; improve interoceptive awareness; relax. All patients then underwent clinical assessment of the physical distress and fear of movement for the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS); the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS); the Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (FABQ); with measures of physical and mental disability for the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ); the 12-Items Short Form Survey; the Resilience Scale for Adults and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire-Revised. The evaluations were performed at T0 (baseline), T1 (after 8 weeks of treatment), and T2 (after 1 month of follow-up). The main finding was that telerehabilitation reduced physical and mental distress, fear, and disability (p < 0.001). Resilience and coping ability were less affected by the rehabilitative treatment. Our attempt of mind-body technique telerehabilitation has shown good results in the improvement of painful symptoms and quality of life for the FM patients but showed fewer positive impacts for the resilience and coping abilities aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Paolucci
- Department of Oral, Medical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University G. D’Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro de Sire
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine Unit, University Hospital “Mater Domini”, Catanzaro, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandro de Sire,
| | - Martina Ferrillo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Dania di Fabio
- Italian Association of Fibromyalgia Syndrome (AISF), L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Aurora Molluso
- Department of Oral, Medical and Biotechnological Sciences, Course of Studies in Physiotherapy, University G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonia Patruno
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mirko Pesce
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Carlo Lai
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Ciacchella
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Aristide Saggino
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Agostini
- Department of Anatomical and Histological Sciences, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tommasi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
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Digital Care Programs for Chronic Hip Pain: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081595. [PMID: 36011251 PMCID: PMC9408636 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081595] [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: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hip pain is a cause of disability worldwide. Digital interventions (DI) may promote access while providing proper management. This single-arm interventional study assesses the clinical outcomes and engagement of a completely remote multimodal DI in patients with chronic hip pain. This home-based DI consisted of exercise (with real-time biofeedback), education, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Outcomes were calculated between baseline and program end, using latent growth curve analysis. Primary outcome was the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). Secondary outcomes were pain, intent to undergo surgery, mental health, productivity, patient engagement (exercise sessions frequency), and satisfaction. Treatment response was assessed using a 30% pain change cut-off. A completion rate of 74.2% (396/534), alongside high patient engagement (2.9 exercise sessions/week, SD 1.1) and satisfaction (8.7/10, SD 1.6) were observed. Significant improvements were observed across all HOOS sub-scales (14.7−26.8%, p < 0.05), with 66.8% treatment responders considering pain. Marked improvements were observed in surgery intent (70.1%), mental health (54%), and productivity impairment (60.5%) (all p < 0.001). The high engagement and satisfaction reported after this DI, alongside the clinical outcome improvement, support the potential of remote care in the management of chronic hip conditions.
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Janela D, Costa F, Molinos M, Moulder RG, Lains J, Bento V, Scheer JK, Yanamadala V, Cohen SP, Correia FD. Digital Rehabilitation for Elbow Pain Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9198. [PMID: 35954555 PMCID: PMC9367806 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Elbow musculoskeletal pain (EP) is a major cause of disability. Telerehabilitation has shown great potential in mitigating musculoskeletal pain conditions, but EP is less explored. This single-arm interventional study investigates clinical outcomes and engagement levels of a completely remote multimodal digital care program (DCP) in patients with EP. The DCP consisted of exercise, education, and cognitive-behavioral therapy for 8 weeks. Primary outcome: disability change (through the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), treatment response cut-offs: 12.0-point reduction and 30% change). Secondary outcomes: pain, analgesic intake, surgery intent, mental health, fear-avoidance beliefs, work productivity, and patient engagement. Of the 132 individuals that started the DCP, 112 (84.8%) completed the intervention. Significant improvements were observed in QuickDASH with an average reduction of 48.7% (11.9, 95% CI 9.8; 14.0), with 75.3% of participants reporting ≥30% change and 47.7% reporting ≥12.0 points. Disability change was accompanied by reductions in pain (53.1%), surgery intent (57.5%), anxiety (59.8%), depression (68.9%), fear-avoidance beliefs (34.2%), and productivity impairment (72.3%). Engagement (3.5 (SD 1.4) sessions per week) and satisfaction 8.5/10 (SD 1.6) were high. The significant improvement observed in clinical outcomes, alongside high engagement, and satisfaction suggests patient acceptance of this care delivery mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Janela
- SWORD Health, Inc., Draper, UT 84043, USA; (D.J.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (V.B.); (V.Y.)
| | - Fabíola Costa
- SWORD Health, Inc., Draper, UT 84043, USA; (D.J.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (V.B.); (V.Y.)
| | - Maria Molinos
- SWORD Health, Inc., Draper, UT 84043, USA; (D.J.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (V.B.); (V.Y.)
| | - Robert G. Moulder
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA;
| | - Jorge Lains
- Rovisco Pais Medical and Rehabilitation Centre, 3064-908 Tocha, Portugal;
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra University, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Virgílio Bento
- SWORD Health, Inc., Draper, UT 84043, USA; (D.J.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (V.B.); (V.Y.)
| | - Justin K. Scheer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Vijay Yanamadala
- SWORD Health, Inc., Draper, UT 84043, USA; (D.J.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (V.B.); (V.Y.)
- Department of Surgery, Frank H. Netter School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT 06473, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hartford Healthcare Medical Group, Westport, CT 06103, USA
| | - Steven P. Cohen
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Fernando Dias Correia
- SWORD Health, Inc., Draper, UT 84043, USA; (D.J.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (V.B.); (V.Y.)
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
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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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Costa F, Janela D, Molinos M, Moulder RG, Lains J, Bento V, Scheer J, Yanamadala V, Correia FD, Cohen SP. Digital Rehabilitation for Acute Low Back Pain: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study. J Pain Res 2022; 15:1873-1887. [PMID: 35813029 PMCID: PMC9261956 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s369926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low back pain (LBP) has a lifetime prevalence of 70–80%. Access to timely and personalized, evidence-based care is key to prevent chronic progression. Digital solutions may ease accessibility to treatment while reducing healthcare-related costs. Purpose We aim to report the results of a fully remote digital care program (DCP) for acute LBP. Patients and Methods This was an interventional, single-arm, cohort study of patients with acute LBP who received a DCP. Primary outcome was the mean change in disability (Oswestry Disability Index – ODI) after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included change in pain (NPRS), analgesic consumption, surgery likelihood, depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), fear-avoidance beliefs (FABQ-PA), work productivity (WPAI) and engagement. Results A total of 406 patients were enrolled in the program and of those, 332 (81.8%) completed the intervention. A significant disability reduction of 55.1% (14.93, 95% CI 13.95; 15.91) was observed, corresponding to a 76.1% responder rate (30% cut-off). Disability reduction was accompanied by significant improvements in pain (61.0%), depression (55.4%), anxiety (59.5%), productivity (65.6%), fear-avoidance beliefs (46.3%), intent to pursue surgery (59.1%), and analgesic consumption (from 35.7% at baseline to 10.8% at program end). DCP-related patient satisfaction score was 8.7/10.0 (SD 1.4). Conclusion This study demonstrated the utility of a multimodal DCP for patients with acute LBP. Very high adherence rates and patient satisfaction were observed, alongside significant reductions in all assessed outcomes, consistent with the growing body of evidence supporting the management of acute LBP with DCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabíola Costa
- SWORD Health, Inc, Clinical Research, Draper, UT, USA
| | - Dora Janela
- SWORD Health, Inc, Clinical Research, Draper, UT, USA
| | - Maria Molinos
- SWORD Health, Inc, Clinical Research, Draper, UT, USA
| | - Robert G Moulder
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - 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, USA
| | - Vijay Yanamadala
- SWORD Health, Inc, Clinical Research, 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
| | - Fernando Dias Correia
- SWORD Health, Inc, Clinical Research, Draper, UT, USA
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: Fernando Dias Correia, 65 E Wadsworth Park Dr Ste 230, Draper, UT, 84020, USA, Tel +1 385-308-8034, Fax +1 801-206-3433, Email
| | - Steven P Cohen
- Departments of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
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