PLPP and the feasibility of an app to support management V.1.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An app-based intervention to support the self-management of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a mixed methods feasibility study
IRAS ID
290483
Contact name
Maria Moffatt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester Metropolitan University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
This study aims to investigate the acceptability and feasibility of an app-based intervention to support the self-management of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain.
The app was developed following a previous qualitative study exploring the attitudes of NHS antenatal service users and clinicians to pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain and the notion of using a mobile phone app to support self-management of this condition. The content and functionality of the app was developed in line with these potential users' needs and recommendations as reported in the previous study.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the virtual halt of non-emergency NHS services, the app was implemented as an emergency measure at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust to provide support to pregnant women experiencing lumbopelvic pain, who would, under normal circumstances, have been referred for physiotherapy treatment of their condition. Following its successful implementation, use of the app has continued, but further development work may still be required.
This study will be a mixed methods feasibility study involving quantitative analysis of anonymised user engagement data in addition to qualitative semi-structured interviews with users of the app. This study will aim to establish whether the app is meeting the needs of users and explore what modifications are required to improve acceptability, perceived utility, usability, and the likelihood of future uptake.Summary of Results
This study initially aimed to investigate the acceptability and feasibility of an app-based intervention to support the self-management of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain.
The proposed study involved analyzing data relating to service users' uptake of and engagement with a mobile phone app provided as part of routine care within the host NHS Trust. The app provided users with information about pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain and advice on self-management. The study team also intended to undertake semi-structured interviews with app users to explore the acceptability of the app and suggestions for future modification.
The analysis of app usage data showed that 106/167 (63.5%) of those offered access to the app between March 2020 and November 2021 downloaded the software and engaged with the app at least once. 33 of the 106 service users who engaged with the app engaged with at least one key app feature (either the digital patient-reported outcome measure, the goal setting feature, or the in-app messaging feature). No participants engaged with all three key app features. Only 3.8% of users logged a period of engagement after 30 days. This pattern of app usage was found to align with existing evidence relating to the use of medical apps downloaded from publicly available app stores. These findings reflect a reasonable level of demand for the app amongst the target population.
Unfortunately, twelve months after opening the study to recruitment, we had been unable to recruit any participants to the qualitative aspect of the study. Since then, changes to service delivery at the host site mean that the recruitment strategy initially planned is no longer feasible. We have therefore been unable to complete the planned semi-structured interviews to explore participants experiences of the app. Alternative methods of gathering this information are currently being explored.REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0084
Date of REC Opinion
5 Mar 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion