Innovative approach to meet increasing demand for physio
New research is testing a novel way to meet the rapidly growing demand for physiotherapy in our public hospitals. A clinical trial at four hospitals, including Hornsby and Royal North Shore, is studying whether some patients can undertake physiotherapy exercises at home, and still experience the same benefit provided by attending a hospital clinic. “Demand for physio is increasing rapidly because we have an ageing population and because clinicians and consumers have a growing appreciation of its benefits,” said Professor Lisa Harvey from Northern Sydney Local Health District and the Kolling Institute.
“Research has shown us that low back pain is the number one cause of disability worldwide, greatly impacting social, family and work activities. “We’re keen to measure the effectiveness of a new approach using technology. “Text messaging is an easy, accessible and affordable intervention that can empower people with low back pain to better manage their own symptoms. “Our TEXT4myBACK study will assess whether text messages are able to improve patients’ knowledge “But its popularity has created a patient access and equity issue. There are simply not enough physiotherapists to meet the demand in the NSW health system, and in some districts the waiting list for face-to-face treatment is very long.” In a project funded through Sydney Health Partners, Prof Harvey, in collaboration with NSW Health physiotherapists and academics, is using a web-based application to provide trial participants with individually-customised sets of exercises to do at home. “After a face-to-face assessment, a physiotherapist uses our web application to select and compile a set of exercises suitable for their condition. The patient is then given a unique website link to their individual exercise program.
Professor Lisa Harvey
“They also get messages of encouragement via text messages, and a physiotherapist telephones the patient after two weeks to give them advice, support and reassurance. “In many cases we believe it’s better for patients if they come to see their problem as something they can address if given appropriate support,” said Prof Harvey.
Technology to support new approach to back pain
If you have low back pain, you could be the perfect candidate for a new study using text messages to support those with the condition. Named TEXT4myBACK, the Kolling and University of Sydney study will compare two different formats of text message interventions to help people better manage their symptoms. Professor Manuela Ferreira is expecting strong interest and participation in the study with large numbers of people across the community experiencing back pain.
Professor Manuela Ferreira
about their condition and decrease the costs associated with alleviating their pain,” Prof Ferreira said. To find out more, watch the #TEXT4myBACK video at youtube. com/watch?v=zhtavBjLlyA or complete a pre-screening survey at bit.ly/TEXT4myBACK
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KOLLINGNEWS | ISSUE 3 | OCTOBER 2019
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