A self-management intervention feasibility protocol for chronic musculoskeletal injury in compensable settings: the way forward

Most individuals with non-catastrophic injuries following an accident recover to pre-injury function quite quickly with usual care. For those remaining on compensation or benefits for longer than 6 months, recovery is made more complex by a range of secondary psychosocial issues that may further delay recovery. Early interventions such as health coaching or self-management training have been found to be beneficial in preventing the development of secondary psychosocial issues, long-term disability and work absence. The authors propose that the use of a web-based, interactive App is a contemporary approach that better fits individual circumstances and context and has the flexibility to deliver content based on personal profiles, individual circumstances and preferences. An individual’s attitudes, beliefs and expectancies may be positively influenced by empowering individuals and promoting self-management through, for example, raising awareness of both personal strengths that may aid recovery and identifying barriers that may act to prolong recovery. The project aims to further develop an interactive prototype App that facilitates functional restoration using self-management and health coaching principals.
Methods
Web-based modes of health care delivery offer service providers in injury rehabilitation an opportunity to identify and better engage with individuals at high risk of prolonged recovery. A simple screening tool embedded within the interactive App will allow high risk individuals to be identified. The App itself provides a platform that engages and supports those at high risk of prolonged disability through encouraging positive health behaviours and improved health self-management.
Results
This protocol paper will describe the research plan and study design, including:
• further development and tailoring of the App to unique contexts in order to maximise uptake, engagement and potential benefit;
• design and planned implementation of an evaluation protocol, including follow-up data collection of relevant outcome measures;
• a formal return on investment report based on the evaluation results.
Conclusion
Following the development and contextual tailoring of the prototype App, participating individuals with non-catastrophic injuries following motor vehicle crashes or workplace accidents at high risk of prolonged disability will have the opportunity to benefit from this novel, innovative intervention that ultimately aims to facilitate their road to functional recovery.