Designing a Self-Guided Digital Intervention for Self-Management of Shoulder Pain in People Living With Spinal Cord...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health Interventions
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Person-Based Approach (PBA) in Intervention Design

Background:

• Shoulder pain is a common issue for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).
• Existing digital rehabilitation tools do not adequately address self-guided shoulder pain management for SCI.
• A gap exists in understanding how to operationalize the Person-Based Approach (PBA) for developing such interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain the operationalization of the PBA in designing the Shoulder Pain Intervention delivered over the interNet (SPIN).
• To provide a detailed methodology for maximizing the relevance and engagement of digital health interventions for SCI.
• To offer a blueprint for future researchers utilizing the PBA in intervention development.

Main Methods:

• The study employed the Person-Based Approach (PBA) for intervention development.
• Key steps included identifying user needs and challenges from preparatory research.
• Intervention features were selected and refined using existing literature, behavioral theory, and the Behavior Change Wheel.

Main Results:

• The Shoulder Pain Intervention delivered over the interNet (SPIN) was designed based on user needs and evidence.
• The PBA was operationalized through specific steps, integrating evidence, theory, and tools.
• Guiding principles and design objectives were formulated to ensure the intervention was fit for purpose.

Conclusions:

• The paper explicates the PBA operationalization process for the SPIN intervention.
• This detailed explanation serves as a guide for future applications of the PBA in digital health.
• The developed intervention aims to maximize engagement and positive outcomes for individuals with SCI experiencing shoulder pain.