To evaluate acceptability of TRAK supplementing ACL rehab

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    To evaluate acceptability and impact on treatment from patient and clinican perspective of TRAK, a web based approach to support self management in rehabilitation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair at Homerton Hospital

  • IRAS ID

    197315

  • Contact name

    Emma Dunphy

  • Contact email

    emma.dunphy@hotmail.com

  • Sponsor organisation

    Homerton University Hospital

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    16/LO/0823,

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 10 months, 2 days

  • Research summary

    Musculoskeletal conditions are extremely common accounting for 30% of patient consultations within General Practice; knee conditions are most common and substantially affect mobility and quality of life. Physiotherapy is recommended but to cope with rapidly increasing demands for long-term condition management new approaches are required. Web based interventions such as supported online self-management are becoming popular. TRAK was developed at Cardiff University, it is an application suite for online treatment, which provides a patient-focused approach to share expert information and exercise prescription. Its usability and acceptability were evaluated on a group of patients and clinicians. There opinions were analysed on the extent to which TRAK could support face¬to-face appointments with a physiotherapist and extracted six main themes: facilitating communication, improved understanding, information provision, support for self-management, enabling progression and recalling information. Due to positive response it is now time to implement this online intervention into routine healthcare practice at a number of sites including Homerton University Hospital where TRAK will be evaluated to assess the impact on the patients, the physiotherapists and the organisation.

    This exploratory study will involve a group of patient participants and physiotherapists use of the TRAK application for 4 months. They will have access to information and exercises plans on TRAK as well as email access to their therapist to help them manage their condition. Participants will provide feedback on their experiences and log questions they encounter. Patients and clinicians will be asked to share their experiences in semi structured interviews, which will evaluate factors relating to use, learning, uptake and needs.

  • REC name

    South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    16/SW/0156

  • Date of REC Opinion

    1 Jun 2016

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion