Back mApp, V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Comparative Study of Low Back Pain Patients Using the getUBetter App
IRAS ID
352738
Contact name
Rebecca Hunter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Low back pain (LBP) is a major health issue worldwide, causing disability and straining healthcare systems. Finding effective and affordable solutions is crucial. Digital tools, like the getUBetter app, offer a potential new approach, but we need to understand how well they work in practice.
This research project aims to compare the getUBetter app with traditional physiotherapy for LBP patients referred to the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Service at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The study will focus on patient satisfaction, how much patients use and engage with the app, and how often they need to be referred back for further treatment.
The research will use a ‘realist economic evaluation’ approach. This means it will not only look at the costs but also explore why certain treatments work for some people and not others. The researchers will analyse existing data on patient characteristics, treatment choices, app usage, physiotherapy visits, and re-referral rates. They will also interview patients to understand their experiences and how they make decisions about their treatment.
The project will develop a series of ‘programme theories’ to explain how the getUBetter app works in the real world. These theories will be refined throughout the study, looking at what works, for whom, under what circumstances, and at what cost. The ultimate goal is to understand the value of the getUBetter app compared to traditional physiotherapy for LBP. This information will help the NHS provide the best possible care for people with low back pain.REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EE/0085
Date of REC Opinion
23 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion