EASE-P
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Early access to virtual resources for the self-management of Plantar Fasciitis: A proof of concept and feasibility study
IRAS ID
303596
Contact name
Kerry Nyland
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition affecting about 10% of the population at some point during their lives (Babatunde, O’Legha, and Littlewood et al., 2019). Pain is typically felt on sole of the foot in the heel area. Often described as a sharp, burning pain, it is usually worse with the first step in the morning, or after a period of rest.
This mixed methods proof of concept and feasibility project will investigate the use of a self-help package of virtual resources for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The research will involve small group of 10 patients shortly after they are referred to Cardiff & Vale UHB podiatry service and join the waiting list.
The virtual resources will include short videos demonstrating ways of managing symptoms, such as gentle stretching exercises, and footwear recommendations. Participants will be given access to these resources to watch at their convenience. Patient reported outcome measures (foot pain, mobility and quality of life) will be collated at baseline and periodically up to 6 weeks. Patients’ acceptability of these resources will be assessed through interviews at the end of the 6 weeks.
The feasibility of conducting a future randomised controlled trial will be assessed by looking at recruitment rates, retention and any patient safety issues. It is hoped the long term benefit will be that patients joining the waiting list can engage with these resources at the earliest opportunity to help manage their symptoms.
This research is important because it presents an opportunity to work with patients at the start of joining a waiting list, and the benefits of early access to virtual resources could be applicable to a number of different health problems.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
21/WA/0289
Date of REC Opinion
27 Sep 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion