Usability and Acceptability of an App (SELFBACK) to Support Self-Management of Low Back Pain: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.18729
• Publication Date: 2020-03-18T15:47:57Z
• Authors: Anne Lovise Nords...; Kerstin Bach; Sadiq Sani; Nirmalie Wiratunga; Paul Jarle Mork; Morten Villumsen; Kay Cooper
• Keywords: Self-Management; Smartphone app

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Self-management is the key recommendation for managing nonspecific low back pain (LBP). However, there are well-documented barriers to self-management; therefore, methods of facilitating adherence required. Smartphone apps increasingly being used support self-management long-term conditions such as LBP. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> The aim this study was assess usability and acceptability SELFBACK smartphone app, designed facilitate non-specific app provides weekly plans, comprising physical activity, strength flexibility exercises, patient education. plans tailored patient’s characteristics symptom progress by using case-based reasoning methodology. <title>METHODS</title> carried out in 2 stages a mixed-methods approach. All participants undertook surveys, semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with subgroup participants. Stage 1 assessed an version only activity component web questionnaire that collects information necessary tailoring plans. included monitoring steps recorded wristband, goal setting, scheme sending personalized, timely, motivational notifications user’s smartphone. Findings from refine inform further development. investigated incorporated 3 components (physical education). A total 16 (age range 23-71 years) ongoing or chronic LBP 1, 11 32-56 2. <title>RESULTS</title> In 15 reported baseline easy answer, 84% (13/16) found completion time be acceptable. Overall, positive about but 31% (5/16) functions well integrated. Of participants, 90% (14/16) satisfied notifications, they perceived personalized (12/16, 80%). 2, all answer exercise rated useful 80% (8/10), while 60% (6/10) educational useful. app; however, 50% (5/10) integrated, 20% (2/10) them inconsistent. (8/10) it self-management. largely reinforced survey findings both stages. <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> This has demonstrated considered acceptable usable thought would supporting we identified some limitations suggestions guide development other mobile health interventions.