Authors (including presenting author) :
Ng WS(1), Luk WC(1), Leung SM(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department, Prince of Wales Hospital
Introduction :
There has been a growing service demand for exercise classes for managing chronic LBP patients, however, our onsite classes at Physiotherapy Department (PTD) cannot cope with the demand due to space constraints. Based on the successful implementation of Tele-LBP class in PWH PTD since 2021, further roll-out of TeleHealth incorporation into existing onsite back exercise class has been implemented.
Objectives :
To increase our capacity of current back classes by reforming the conventional onsite LBPEC into hybrid LBPECs, so as to meet the growing demand without additional use of physical space.
Methodology :
The conventional 4-session onsite LBPEC is reformed into 5-session hybrid LBPEC, which consists of 3 onsite sessions in PTD and 2 Tele-LBP sessions at home alternatively. While only 8 patients quota per class for the conventional LBPEC, the reformed hybrid LBPEC provides an additional 8 quota per class for patients to join Tele-LBP at the same time, without using additional treatment area but only with a zoom workstation. Patients were referred by their case physiotherapists after the first consultation. Assessments were done in the initial and 5th session of the hybrid LBPEC. Outcome measures include the Numeric Global Rate of Change Score (NGRCS), Numeric Pain Rating Score (NPRS) and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Outcome measures were compared before and after the classes.
Result & Outcome :
From 6th December 2023 to 10th January 2024, there were a total of 10 physical sessions and 10 Tele-Training classes held under the hybrid LBP class. 17 patients (6 male and 11 female) participated, aged from 48 to 75 (averaged 62). The average NGRCS were 4.5. The average NPRS was significantly reduced from 4 to 1.5 and the RMDQ was improved from 10.6 to 6.3. Like the previous trial of the Tele-LBP Class, the therapeutic effect of the hybrid LBP exercise class is not inferior to the conventional onsite class. After the remodelling of the hybrid LBP exercise class, the quotas for the LBP exercise class increased from 24 to 40 per week without the use of additional treatment areas. In conclusion, the hybrid LBPEC showed an improved therapeutic effect than the conventional onsite class. More patients could be served in the hybrid class without additional clinical areas.
