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Developing a web-based version of an exercise-based rehabilitation program for people with chronic knee and hip pain: A mixed methods study

Pearson, Jennifer; Walsh, Nicola; Carter, Desmond; Koskela, Sian; Hurley, Michael

Developing a web-based version of an exercise-based rehabilitation program for people with chronic knee and hip pain: A mixed methods study Thumbnail


Authors

Jen Pearson Jen.Pearson@uwe.ac.uk
Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy (MSK and LTC)

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Nicola Walsh Nicola.Walsh@uwe.ac.uk
Professor in Knowledge Mobilisation & Muscul

Desmond Carter

Sian Koskela

Michael Hurley



Abstract

Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis is highly prevalent and has enormous personal and socioeconomic impact. Enabling Self-management and Coping with Arthritic Pain through Exercise (ESCAPE-pain) is an integrated rehabilitation program that helps people understand how exercise can improve physical and psychosocial well-being. Unfortunately, its availability is limited. A Web-based version of the program could increase access for more people. Many Web-based resources are developed without end-user input and result in over-complex, unwanted, ineffective products with limited uptake.

Objective: The objective of this study was to codesign a Web-based version of ESCAPE-pain that people with chronic joint pain find engaging, informative, and useful.
Methods: To establish older persons' Internet use we conducted a postal survey of 200 people. To establish their opinions, likes or dislikes, and requirements for a Web-based version of the ESCAPE-pain program, we conducted two focus groups with 11 people who had participated in a program based on ESCAPE-pain and two with 13 people who had not. Information from the postal survey and focus groups was used to develop an online prototype website. People's opinions of the prototype website were gauged from thematic analysis of eight semistructured “think aloud” interviews.

Results: The survey response rate was 42% (83/200), of whom 67% (56/83) were female and mean age was 67 years. Eighty-three percent of the people had used the Internet, 69% described themselves as either very confident or confident Internet users, and 77% had looked online for health information. With regard to participating online, 34% had read a commentary or watched a video of someone else’s experience of a health problem and 23% had tracked a health issue. Key qualitative themes emerged that included engagement, acceptability and usability, and structure and content of the program.

Conclusions: Older people use the Internet as a source of health information but have concerns about safe use and quality of information. Users require a credible website that provides personalized information, support, monitoring, and feedback.

Citation

Pearson, J., Walsh, N., Carter, D., Koskela, S., & Hurley, M. (2016). Developing a web-based version of an exercise-based rehabilitation program for people with chronic knee and hip pain: A mixed methods study. JMIR Research Protocols, 5(2), https://doi.org/10.2196/resprot.5446

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 28, 2016
Publication Date Jan 1, 2016
Deposit Date May 9, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal JMIR Research Protocols
Publisher JMIR Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 5
Issue 2
DOI https://doi.org/10.2196/resprot.5446
Keywords osteoarthritis, exercise, self-care, web-based program, behavioral change, qualitative research, quantitative research
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/922325
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/resprot.5446