Clinical and cost-effectiveness of digital technology for non-specific low back pain across an entire Integrated Care System pathway

 

Funding

National Institute for Health and Social Care Delivery Research (NIHR) Office for Life Sciences/Invention for Innovation Ref NIHR208097.

Background

Low Back Pain (LBP) affects many people in the UK, restricting their daily activities and accounting for 5% of GP appointments. Many digital tools exist to support people with LBP to self-manage their symptoms while they wait for further care. However, we don t know how they work for patients and healthcare professionals, and whether they provide good care. getUBetter is a digital health app that is already used by the NHS to support people with LBP.

Aim

We aim to assess if using the getUBetter app by patients with LBP improves pain and ability to engage with daily activities, reduces the need for further care, and whether it offers the NHS good value for money. This research will help us understand how the app is being used by patients and GP practices, and develop guidance on how getUBetter and other self-management tools can be used to support patients with LBP.

Methods

The project includes 3 work packages (WPs):

WP1: Patients with LBP in various GP practices across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) will be recruited into two groups: those who use the app and those who don t use it. Patients will complete a survey four times over a 12-month period, reporting their use of getUBetter and changes in their symptoms. We will also analyse healthcare data (e.g. GP appointments) from the local NHS system to assess the outcomes of using getUBetter at a system level.

WP2: Patients who use getUBetter and healthcare professionals who prescribe it will be interviewed to understand their experiences and the factors that influence their decision to use it or stop using it.

WP3: The findings will be used to improve on and develop guidelines and training resources to support patients, healthcare professionals, local healthcare systems and national services when embedding and using getUBetter, and other digital health tools for the self-management of LBP and other muscle and joint conditions.

Patient and public involvement

Patients with experience of LBP from diverse backgrounds and communities have helped us develop this project and are part of the project team. They will contribute at all stages of the project including the production of information, supporting engagement and helping to share research findings.

Dissemination

We will share this knowledge with everyone involved in the project, the NHS, and the research community. getUBetter will use this knowledge to strengthen their processes to help patients, clinicians, and the health service.

Who is leading the research?

Dr Alice Berry, Associate Professor in Rehabilitation, University of the West of England.

Further information

For more information or to get involved in this project, please contact bnssg.research@nhs.net.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care

Please find more information here.