2022 - 2024

This project explored the implementation of the SelfBACK app, a digital health intervention designed to support the self-management of non-specific low back pain. Despite the growing adoption of digital health tools, many are implemented without fully considering the needs of patients and clinicians or understanding their health and economic impacts. The app is evidence -based and it incorporates a tailored exercise program, physical activity tracking using step count data from the user's phone, and educational content to help users understand and manage their condition.

The DIGSI project focused on three key areas. First, we examined Danish chiropractors’ utilisation, experiences with, and attitudes towards digital health interventions in the management of patients with musculoskeletal pain.

Simultaneously, we conducted a realist evaluation to understand the workings of the SelfBACK app within chiropractic practice by identifying the mechanisms that affect engagement with the app, promote self-management of low back pain, and produce both intended and unintended outcomes. Additionally, we sought to identify contextual factors that may explain these mechanism-outcome relationships.

Another key focus was to evaluate the health economic impact of SelfBACK, Digital tools like SelfBACK offer scalable and personalized solutions to improve patient outcomes, yet their economic utility and broader implementation remain unclear. This study addressed these gaps by assessing the association between patient access to the app and healthcare utilization.

DIGSI