Developing a Web-Based Version of An Exercise-Based Rehabilitation Program for People With Chronic Knee and Hip Pain:...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Digital Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition with significant personal and socioeconomic impact.
• The integrated rehabilitation program ESCAPE-pain (Enabling Self-management and Coping with Arthritic Pain through Exercise) improves well-being but has limited availability.
• A Web-based version could increase access, but many digital health resources fail due to lack of end-user input.

Purpose of the Study:

• To codesign a Web-based version of the ESCAPE-pain program.
• To ensure the online program is engaging, informative, and useful for individuals with chronic joint pain.

Main Methods:

• A postal survey of 200 older adults assessed Internet use.
• Two focus groups with ESCAPE-pain participants and two with non-participants gathered requirements.
• A prototype website was developed and evaluated through eight semistructured 'think aloud' interviews.

Main Results:

• 83% of surveyed individuals used the Internet, with 69% confident in their usage.
• 77% sought health information online; 34% watched health experience videos and 23% tracked health issues.
• Key themes from interviews included engagement, acceptability, usability, and program structure/content.

Conclusions:

• Older adults utilize the Internet for health information but express concerns regarding safety and information quality.
• Users desire a credible online platform offering personalized information, support, monitoring, and feedback for managing chronic joint pain.