As I often say in the clinic that the brick and mortar clinic rates 3-star, but as soon as I walk in we reach 5-star rating. As I read more and more about various technologies being created to help provide do-it-yourself or self-care management solutions, I admittedly feel a tad threatened. Although I know what I do isn’t necessarily rocket science, it stings just a little bit thinking that technology just might replace me.

As I read this particular study, I focused on “artificial intelligence.” When a product truly has artificial intelligence, the product is continually learning and making decisions based on boatloads of data. This particular product, from what I am interpreting, seems to have a decision algorithm within it based on guidelines and professional expertise. The questions asked within the app to determine the output. The questions focus on: present condition, history, past treatment, 24-hour pattern, drug history, and social history.  From my perspective the artificial intelligence kicks in more strongly every 14 days as the app user is reassessed.

So, what is missing in the app? Based on the study, I’m not sure if a differential diagnosis occurred. I don’t believe it is reasonable to believe that every person who has persistent pain just needs exercise to improve the condition. Granted, the app does have a disclaimer that the app does not replace medical services. 

For the last 12 weeks I have been participating in a group strengthening program at the local YMCA. Interesting to me, the instructor seems more focused on designing changes versus focusing on the quality of the performance of the exercise. As I watch others performing the exercises, what I see missing is good form and appropriate recruitment of muscles to perform the activity. After some sessions, some of the participants mention back or shoulder pain – and I know the reason is because the instructor provides very little guidance on the amount of resistance for each participant nor cues to ensure the exercise is performed safely. From this experience, I truly do wonder if a do-it-yourself self-management without any face-to-face time or supervision will actually provide the intended results.

I can appreciate the fact that this study was basically really looking at the feasibility of an app for these people. The findings indicate that those in the study did receive and appreciate educational material. Those in the study also increased their exercise levels. Pain level also reduced. The study has limitations that there is no comparison group.

I’m crossing my fingers and hoping that apps don’t replace 5-star me! 

You’ll find the abstract to the recent study below.

The Perceived Benefits of an Artificial Intelligence-Embedded Mobile App Implementing Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Self-Management of Chronic Neck and Back Pain: Observational Study.

The post Artificial Intelligence-Embedded Mobile App for Chronic Neck and Back Pain appeared first on FOTO Patient Outcomes.

What I found interesting about this study was that only 15% of the patients who had neck pain actually sought the services of a physical therapist. Okay… I need to take a step back because the data was from 2012 and part of 2013. Maybe more headway has been made in both direct access and referral patterns to increase the referral rate to physical therapists?

My mind immediately wandered to wonder about the 1-year cost after the index visit for everyone who did not see a physical therapist. I know that wasn’t the point of the study, yet it would have been interesting to see the demographics of the population that did not receive physical therapy services and the 1-year cost. It seems having that information would help paint a picture of what is different when a physical therapist is not involved in the care.

What could be really interesting is to see data from 2017-through part of 2018. I wonder if physical therapists have been having an increased role in providing care for individuals who have neck pain.  This study shares the trend we may already be aware.  This study confirms what we have learned from other studies regarding the timing of services: sooner is better. 

One question I do have: all three groups treated the individuals in 3-4 visits. I’d be curious as to what interventions were provided and the outcomes achieved. 

You’ll find the abstract to the recent study below.

Timing of physical therapy consultation on 1-year healthcare utilization and costs in patients seeking care for neck pain: a retrospective cohort.

The post The Timing of When Someone Sees a Physical Therapist: Does it Matter? appeared first on FOTO Patient Outcomes.