Scheer J, Areias AC, Molinos M, Janela D, Moulder R, Lains J, Bento V, Yanamadala V, Dias Correia F, Costa F. Engagement and Utilization of a Complete Remote Digital Care Program for Musculoskeletal Pain Management in Urban and Rural Areas Across the United States: Longitudinal Cohort Study.
JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023;
11:e44316. [PMID:
36735933 PMCID:
PMC10132051 DOI:
10.2196/44316]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are the number one cause of disability worldwide. Digital care programs (DCPs) for MSK pain management have arisen as alternative care delivery models to circumvent challenges in accessibility of conventional therapy. Despite the potential of DCPs to reduce inequities in accessing care, the outcomes of such interventions in rural and urban populations have yet to be studied.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of urban or rural residency on engagement and clinical outcomes after a multimodal DCP for MSK pain.
METHODS
This study consists of an ad hoc analysis of a decentralized single-arm investigation into engagement and clinical-related outcomes after a multimodal DCP in patients with MSK conditions. Patients were coded according to their zip codes to a specific rural-urban commuting area code and grouped into rural and urban cohorts. Changes in their engagement and clinical outcomes from baseline to program end were assessed. Latent growth curve analysis was performed to estimate change trajectories adjusting for the following covariates: age, gender, BMI, employment status, and pain acuity. Outcomes included engagement, self-reported pain, and the results of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item, Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item, and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment scales. A minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of 30% was considered for pain.
RESULTS
Patients with urban and rural residency across the United States participated in the program (n=9992). A 73.8% (7378/9992) completion rate was observed. Both groups reported high satisfaction scores and similar engagement with exercise sessions, with rural residents showing higher engagement with educational content (P<.001) and higher program completion rates (P=.02). All groups showed a significant improvement in all clinical outcomes, including pain, mental health, and work productivity, without statistically significant intergroup differences. The percentage of patients meeting the MCID was similar in both groups (urban: 67.1%, rural: 68.3%; P=.30).
CONCLUSIONS
This study advocates for the utility of a DCP in improving access to MSK care in urban and rural areas alike, showcasing its potential to promote health equity. High engagement, satisfaction, and completion rates were noted in both groups, as well as significant improvements in clinical outcomes.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04092946; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04092946.
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