'I was surprised at how little [information] I'd retained': a qualitative study of experiences with an internet-based education and exercise intervention for shoulder pain.

内容摘要

Internet-based interventions for shoulder pain are promising, yet delivery and patient engagement remain poorly understood. This study explored the experiences of physiotherapists and people with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) regarding the internet-based delivery of education and exercise in a randomised pilot trial. A purposive sample of people with RCRSP (n = 10) who received an internet-based intervention, with or without telehealth, in a randomised pilot trial were interviewed. Physiotherapists who delivered telehealth (n = 4) participated in a focus group to explore their perceptions and experiences with the intervention. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. We identified six themes: (1) Knowledge fostered behaviour change and reassurance, (2) Online materials were helpful, with varying format preferences, (3) Retaining educational content and remembering to complete exercises can be challenging, (4) Exercises were simple and convenient, but instructions could be improved, (5) Access to exercise equipment and environment setup as barriers, (6) Group telehealth boosted participant's motivation, but strategies to improve group dynamics are needed. While people with RCRSP generally found the internet-based and telehealth intervention beneficial in supporting behaviour change, challenges related to information retention, exercise adherence, resource access, and physiotherapists' delivery need to be considered. Internet-based and telehealth interventions can support behaviour change and reassure patients with rotator-cuff related shoulder pain; strategies to reinforce understanding and memory retention might be incorporated.Explicit and user-friendly instructions are important to optimise engagement with internet-based and telehealth interventions.Physiotherapists should consider home environment and equipment limitations when delivering exercise remotely, offering alternatives or additional guidance if needed.Group telehealth sessions can enhance patient motivation; planning session structure and interaction can help maximise engagement.