An internet based approach to enhance self-management of chronic low back pain in the Italian-speaking population of Switzerland: results from a pilot study.
SPM International Journal of Public Health.
Autori: Peter J. Schulz, Sara Rubinelli, Uwe Hartung
Tipo di pubblicazione: Articolo


Objective: Following public health concerns on the disability caused by chronic low back pain, this study sheds new light on the potentials of internet for enhancing self-management of the disease. The study specifically describes the development and pilot evaluation of a website designed for the Italian-speaking population of Switzerland. Methods: In the pilot study 20 patients affected by chronic low back pain have used the website for a period of five months, under the monitoring of 12 health professionals. Evaluation was made by a telephone questionnaire administered at baseline and at the end of the intervention, and an intermediate online user-testing performed in the fourth month of the intervention. A control group of 15 patients was created to assist the evaluation. Results: Preliminary results point to an enhancement of pain-coping behaviours seemingly resulting from the utilization of the website. Conclusion: The positive effects of the evaluation support the need to test our approach on a wider scale. The study also endorses the efficacy of the online presence of health professionals in medical website, and shows its feasibility in daily practice.