Abstract
Background:
Internet interventions provide an opportunity to encourage patients with LBP to self-manage and remain active, by tailoring advice and providing evidence-based support for increasing physical activity. This paper reports the development of the ‘SupportBack’ internet intervention, designed for use with usual primary care, as the first stage of a feasibility RCT currently underway comparing: usual primary care alone; usual care plus the internet intervention; usual care plus the internet intervention with physiotherapist telephone support.
Methods:
The internet intervention delivers a 6-week, tailored programme focused on graded goal setting, self-monitoring, and provision of tailored feedback to encourage physical activity/exercise increases or maintenance. 22 patients with back pain from primary care took part in ‘think aloud’ interviews, to qualitatively explore the intervention, provide feedback on its relevance and quality and identify any extraneous content or omissions.
Results:
Valuable feedback and suggested amendments from patients included individually-tailoring the activity programme, using the individual's current pain or activity level. Patients reported that the goal setting module was helpful, and were content with the range of activities offered by ‘SupportBack’. The majority of patients reported they would accept their GP's recommendation and use a credible internet intervention such as this programme to help improve self-management.
Conclusions:
The development of the ‘SupportBack’ internet intervention has worked with patients to create an acceptable online tailored resource to supplement primary care management for patients with low back pain. The intervention is currently being trialled to determine feasibility and the most appropriate way to support its delivery.
