Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Authors (including presenting author) :
LAU NLK(1), CHEUNG PCT(1)
Affiliation :
(1) The Department of Physiotherapy of Tin Shui Wai Hospital, the Hospital Authority
Introduction :
STarT-back exercise program provides exercises and back care technique education to patients with non-specific low back pain.
Recent introduction of tele-training function in HAGO mobile app provide us a chance to revamp the STarT-back program by incorporating tele-training session to patients, which hopefully can bring them convenience while maintaining its effectiveness.
Objectives :
The objective of this study aims to 1) evaluate the effectiveness of tele-training compared to traditional face-to-face training in STarT-back classes; and 2) explore patient satisfaction of tele-training model.
Methodology :
STarT-back program participants with medium and high risk, and with HAGO mobile app installed, were invited to join tele-training after attended at least 1 session of back exercise training. After the 1-hour tele-training was finished, a patient satisfaction questionnaire would be issue to them to obtain feedback.
Outcomes measures including 1) Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), 2) Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and 3) Numerical Global Rate of Change Scale (NGRCS) are also compared between patients receiving tele-training or face-to-face training upon program completion.
Result & Outcome :
From 1 Jul to 17 Nov 2023, 8 patients were recruited to Tele-training group (group T) while 19 patients were included in face-to-face training group (group F). Both groups showed significant improvement in NPRS (group T p=0.014; group F p<0.001) and RMDQ (group T p=0.034; group F p=0.005). There is no statistical significance between-group difference over the improvement of NPRS (p=0.484) and RMDQ (p=0.475).
Both groups showed overall symptom improvement post-program. There is also no between-group difference in NGRCS (p=0.673).
For the questionnaire, patients agreed that tele-training was an effective and efficient way for exercise technique consolidation, as the physiotherapist can provide real-time feedback for them while they carried out exercise in home setting. The tele-training function of HAGO mobile app was also easy to use. Majority of the patients also expressed that tele-training saved them significant amount of time on travelling. Overall, patients had a positive experience and attitude on tele-training classes as a part of the STarT-back program.
In conclusion, tele-training can be a supplementary part of STarT-back program. It is as effective as tradition face-to-face training. Patients also expressed satisfaction of the program. Hopefully this pilot study can provide further insights on integration and development of tele-rehabilitation, and thus Smart hospital as a whole.
