The INSIGHT Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Clinical and cost-effectiveness of digital technology for non-specific low back pain across an entire Integrated Care System pathway
IRAS ID
351563
Contact name
Alice Berry
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of England
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 8 months, 29 days
Research summary
Low back pain (LBP) affects many people in the UK, restricting their daily activities and accounting for 5% of GP appointments. Many digital tools exist to support people with LBP to self-manage their symptoms. However, we don’t know how they work for patients and healthcare professionals, and whether they provide good care.
getUBetter is a digital self-management app that is used by the NHS to support people with LBP. Typically, patients are directed to the app by GP practice staff. A registration process connects them to guidance and support, providing them with advice about symptoms, information about what to expect, relevant exercises, goal-setting tools, and referral to local services.
We aim to assess if using getUBetter improves pain and engagement with daily activities, reduces the need for further care, and whether it offers the NHS good value for money. This research will help us understand how the app is being used by patients and GP practices and develop guidance on how getUBetter and other digital self-management tools can be used to support patients with LBP.
The project has 3 parts: 1) Patients with LBP will be recruited into two groups: those who use the app and those who don’t use it. Patients will complete a survey four times over 12 months, reporting their use of getUBetter and changes in their symptoms. We will also analyse healthcare data from the local NHS system to assess the outcomes of using getUBetter at a system level. 2) Patients who use getUBetter and healthcare professionals who prescribe it will be interviewed to understand their experiences and the factors that influence their decision to use it. 3) Findings will be used to improve on and develop guidelines and training resources to support patients, healthcare professionals, local healthcare systems and national services when embedding and using getUBetter.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NE/0029
Date of REC Opinion
21 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion