The internet and technology have dramatically changed the way we live our lives — and there is no sign of this stopping. For example, physiotherapy video consultations and exercise apps can be used to deliver or support face-to-face health services.
Today, there is growing evidence that e-health (for example, telehealth which includes appointments over video or phone calls) can help people who live in rural or remote areas and struggling with pain who could benefit from visiting a health professional.
A research team from the University of Sydney is working on a study titled: E-health to Empower patients with musculoskeletal pain in rural Australia (EMPoweR). Their researchers provide free services and do not operate to make a profit from its participants.
What is the purpose of the study?
The study seeks to learn how to best use e-health to help people struggling with:
- low back pain — the number one cause of disability in the world, and/or
- knee pain — associated with osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis.
The study will explore whether care that is delivered via e-health can improve physical function and pain for people with low back pain or knee osteoarthritis who live outside a big city.
You can find more information and register to participate on their website: www.TheEmpowerStudy.com
This study was prospectively registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618001494224) www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375539
The executive of the Ethics Review Committee, Sydney Local Health District, Royal Prince Albert Hospital Zone, approved the protocol of this study (X18-0226 & HREC/18/RPAH/309).