Using an internet intervention to support self-management of low back pain in primary care: findings from a randomised controlled feasibility trial (SupportBack)

Geraghty, Adam W. A., Stanford, Rose, Stuart, Beth, Little, Paul, Roberts, Lisa C., Foster, Nadine E., Hill, Jonathan C., Hay, Elaine M., Turner, David, Malakan, Wansida, Leigh, Linda and Yardley, Lucy (2018) Using an internet intervention to support self-management of low back pain in primary care: findings from a randomised controlled feasibility trial (SupportBack). BMJ Open, 8 (3). ISSN 2044-6055

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Abstract

Objective: To determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of an internet intervention for low back pain (LBP) using 3 arms: 1) usual care, 2) usual care plus an internet intervention or 3) usual care plus an internet intervention with additional physiotherapist telephone support. Design and setting: A three-armed randomised controlled feasibility trial conducted in 12 general practices in England. Participants: Primary care patients aged over 18, with current LBP, access to the internet, and without indicators of serious spinal pathology or systemic illness. Interventions: The ‘SupportBack’ internet intervention delivers a 6-week, tailored programme, focused on graded goal setting, self-monitoring, and provision of tailored feedback to encourage physical activity. Additional physiotherapist telephone support consisted of three brief telephone calls over a 4-week period, to address any concerns and provide reassurance. Outcomes: The primary outcomes were the feasibility of the trial design including recruitment, adherence and retention at follow-up. Secondary descriptive and exploratory analyses were conducted on clinical outcomes including LBP-related disability at 3 months follow-up. Results: Primary outcomes: 87 patients with LBP were recruited (target 60-90) over 6 months, and there were 3 withdrawals. Adherence to the intervention was higher in the physiotherapist-supported arm, compared to the stand-alone internet intervention. Trial physiotherapists adhered to the support protocol. Overall follow-up rate on key clinical outcomes at three months follow-up was 84%. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the feasibility of a future definitive randomised controlled trial to determine the clinical and cost effectiveness of the SupportBack intervention in primary care patients with LBP. Trial registration: ISRCTN 31034004 Key words: Low back pain; internet intervention; self-management; primary care

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Economics Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Norwich Clinical Trials Unit Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Services and Primary Care Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Population Health
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	18 Jan 2018 17:32
Last Modified:	06 Feb 2025 07:38
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/66015
DOI:	10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016768

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