A new study published in Digital Health aims to address this gap. It sheds light on the role of healthcare professionals (chiropractors, physiotherapists, and general practitioners) and the implementation of the digital health app selfBACK, which was developed to support self-management of low back pain (LBP). The purpose of the study is to explore healthcare professionals’ involvement in patient recruitment for the study and their assessment of the selfBACK app's AI-generated, tailored content and clinical relevance.
Motivation and workload are key factors
Healthcare professionals are generally positive about the selfBACK app, viewing it as a useful supplement to existing practice. Healthcare professionals—especially general practitioners—show a high level of acceptance (84–89%) of the self-management plans generated by selfBACK, though participants in the study express concerns about the app’s ability to tailor content to individual patients.
At the same time, the study highlights that challenges related to healthcare professionals’ motivation and workload are crucial factors for the successful implementation of digital health solutions in practice. Qualitative data showed that busy workdays, competing tasks, and varying levels of motivation significantly impact healthcare professionals’ recruitment of patients. Therefore, future implementation of digital interventions should consider the working conditions of healthcare professionals and their need for flexibility in treatment planning.
Some clinics and healthcare professionals employ creative strategies, such as visual reminders and internal competition, to boost patient recruitment. Several participants highlight the app's potential as a tool that complements and enhances clinical advice—particularly through ongoing motivation, knowledge, and access to exercises between consultations.
How was the study carried out?
The study uses a mixed methods process evaluation to analyse healthcare professionals’ recruitment of patients for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the app, as well as their perceptions of the app’s content and usability. The study combines quantitative data from recruitment logs and a vignette-based survey with qualitative interviews and free-text comments. A total of 825 patients were recruited through 57 healthcare professionals in Norway and 39 clinics in Denmark. The study uses Normalization Process Theory (NPT) as the theoretical framework to analyse the implementation processes.
Mette Jensen Stochkendahl, Barbara I. Nicholl, Karen Wood, Frances S. Mair, Paul Jarle Mork, Karen Søgaard, Charlotte DN Rasmussen. The engagement of healthcare providers in implementing the selfBACK randomised controlled trial – A mixed-methods process evaluation. Digital Health 2025.