Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
A Novel Application of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging
Published on: September 17, 2013
From information to action: a co-created evaluation of digital resources for musculoskeletal disorders
Glykeria Skamagki1, Arya Savadi2, Colin Greaves3
1School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. g.skamagki@bham.ac.uk.
Background:
Digital self-management plays a key role in musculoskeletal care, yet the quality and accessibility of online resources vary. This study used a co-production approach to evaluate digital resources for chronic musculoskeletal disorders, ensuring they reflected patient priorities and practical needs.
Methods:
A systematic search identified 91 digital resources, reviewed by a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement group using a structured rating framework. They assessed visual appeal, adaptability, practicality, clarity, and interactivity. Individual evaluations and group discussions refined the rankings, while focus groups explored themes on usability, accessibility, and gaps in current resources.
Results:
The top 50 resources offered exercise progressions, interactive tools, and adaptable content, while lower-rated ones relied on static information with little personalisation. Discussions highlighted the value of integrated platforms combining education, guided exercise, and symptom-tracking features. Gaps included limited psychological support and workplace-specific advice. High-quality resources were often harder to find than commercially optimised but lower-quality websites.
Discussion:
These findings highlight several critical directions for future research and development. Firstly, improving the discoverability of high-quality self-management resources remains essential. Search engine optimisation techniques, the use of patient-friendly language, and clinician-led resource recommendations could significantly increase patient access and engagement. Secondly, there is a pressing need to better integrate mental health support into CMSD resources, reflecting the biopsychosocial nature of chronic pain. Lastly, tailored workplace adaptations-including pacing strategies, ergonomic advice, and communication tools-must be embedded within digital tools, particularly for supporting older employees. These priorities will ensure that digital self-management resources are not only clinically relevant, but also practical, inclusive, and widely accessible.
Conclusions:
Future development should focus on making evidence-based resources easier to find, integrating mental health support, and embedding workplace adaptations such as pacing, ergonomic advice, and communication tools. These priorities will help ensure digital self-management resources are clinically relevant, practical, and inclusive.
Trial Registration:
Not applicable.
