Development of the Low Back Pain Self-Management App Review Tool (LBP-SMART) for consumers to assess the quality, behaviour change and self-management potential of LBP smartphone apps
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE: Low back pain (LBP) poses global health management and economic challenges. Self-management of LBP is critical, and smartphone apps have great potential to facilitate LBP self-management. This study aimed to co-design a LBP Self-Management App Review Tool (LBP-SMART) for consumers to assess the quality, behaviour change and self-management potential of LBP self-management apps for LBP rehabilitation. METHODS: Two-phase prospective cross-sectional design. Consumers and health professionals participated in four online co-design workshops, underpinned by the Co-KT framework, to develop a consumer-level assessment tool for LBP self-management smartphone apps. User evaluation of the tool (LBP-SMART) was then undertaken. RESULTS: = 3) participated in the workshops. The LBP-SMART was developed, consisting of seven categories: 1)Safety; 2)Download process; 3)Look, function and feel; 4)Customisation; 5)Goals and self-monitoring; 6)Enabling sharing and 7)Additional features. Five additional participants undertook user evaluation. All reported that the tool was easy to use/understand, and the order/sequencing was appropriate. The LBP-SMART has content validity based on evidence, stakeholder and expert views. CONCLUSION: The LBP-SMART guides consumers and health professionals on appropriate app choice with quality, and self-management and behaviour change potential features that may improve LBP rehabilitation outcomes.
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation
Authors: Claudia Didyk, Lucy Kate Lewis, Belinda Lange
Institutions: Flinders University, Caring Futures Institute
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Funder: Flinders University
OpenAlex ID: W4407057314