RESEARCHERS at the University Centre for Northern Rivers (UCRH) spent two days training 20 local physiotherapists to deliver integrated care treatments for people suffering from hip and knee pain, osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain.
The training marks the first step in a four year research project that will run in the physiotherapy departments of the Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Grafton and Lismore Base Hospitals.
It will test two different methods to deliver integrated pain and lifestyle care for patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions: one offered via telephone and online, and the other in person.
The “Healthy Lifestyle Program for Pain in Rural areas” (HeLP-R) trial aims to improve quality of life for patients by helping them learn about their pain and supporting changes to unhealthy lifestyle habits that are linked to persistent pain.
Musculoskeletal conditions affect one in three Australians, with rural residents experiencing an even greater burden.
These patients often have higher rates of chronic health problems and lifestyle risk factors such as obesity, smoking, inactivity or poor diet.
Associate Professor Chris Williams leads UCRH’s research cluster focused on management of musculoskeletal conditions, pain education, and chronic disease lifestyle risk factors.
“We know that chronic pain from back pain and osteoarthritis has a huge impact on people’s lives, but it isn’t always tackled in a way that provides lasting relief and helps patients take control of their health,” A/Prof Williams said.
“What we’re trying to do with all our research, especially this project, is look at different combinations and methods of treatment that can be delivered to reduce the impacts of pain.
“In this project we’re comparing an in-person version of HeLP, which is led by physiotherapists, to a virtual care version of HeLP involving dietitians, and psychologists as well.
“Online care has a lot of potential. Patients we work with are encouraged by better access to highly skilled professions, so we really want to help build the capacity of physiotherapists, who are sometimes viewed as professionals you need to visit in person.
“It’s another layer in the research, seeing how this enhanced training can better support health practitioners to reach patients in need.”
To test the credibility of virtual care, the trial will compare two treatment groups operating in parallel.
Participants will receive either:
- In-person HeLP: involving four in-person sessions with a physiotherapist over 12 weeks, tailored pain and lifestyle education resources and supported access to existing telephone-based health coaching services over six months.
- Virtual HeLP: involving up to 10 video calls with a multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapists, psychologists, dietitians, and a smoking cessation nurse over six months, and provision of tailored pain and lifestyle education resources.
Participants in the trial will be referred through the participating hospitals, thanks to the involvement of the Northern NSW and Mid North Coast Health Districts.
As the trial continues, GPs across the regions will also be invited to refer patients who may benefit from involvement.
This project builds on earlier research by A/Prof Williams and Senior Researcher and dietitian Dr Emma Mudd, which showed that addressing lifestyle habits, such as weight, poor diet, poor sleep or excessive alcohol reduces disability from back pain more than standard care that simply focused on the injury and exercising.
The research trial is funded through the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund.
