ProfessorManuela Ferreira

Project Opportunities

Title: Use of technology to deliver evidence-based care of low back pain

Summary of opportunity:

This program of research will investigate the effectiveness of different technology-based interventions to improve care of low back pain.

Opportunity synopsis:

Low back pain affects ¼ of Australians and is the number one cause of disability worldwide. However, traditional models of care for low back pain are highly dependent on a hierarchical system of clinicians delivering passive (e.g. medication, injections) treatments, and resulting in patients being disengaged from their self-management, Innovative models are needed, so that patients can have equitable access to effective treatment that empowers them to manage their low back pain. We have developed a program of research to evaluate the use of technology-based interventions to increase access and optimise delivery of evidence-based care for patients with low back pain.

The PhD students will be working on the development and evaluation of mobile-health interventions for low back pain. They will also be involved in assessing the effectiveness of health coaching interventions delivered via tele-health for people with low back pain.

----------Current Research Projects----------

SUcceSS: surgery for spinal stenosis - a randomised controlled trial.

CONNECT: Telecare collaborative management of low back pain in primary care

Text Me Back: a text message-based intervention for acute low back pain

The PATHway Trial: Participatory health through behavioural engagement and disruptive digital technology for post-operative rehabilitation