Development and implementation of MyPainHub: an online resource for people with musculoskeletal conditions and their healthcare professionals (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain (LBP), neck pain and knee osteoarthritis, are the greatest contributors to years lived with disability worldwide. Resources aiming to aid both patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) exist but are poorly implemented and adopted. OBJECTIVE To develop and implement MyPainHub, an evidence-based online resource designed to provide comprehensive, credible and accessible information for people with, and HCPs that manage, common musculoskeletal conditions. METHODS This mixed-methods study was aligned with the New South Wales Translational Research Framework and evaluated against the RE-AIM framework. Consultation with key stakeholders (patients, HCPs, researchers, industry, consumer groups, website developers) informed content, design, features, and functionality. Development then aimed to meet the identified need for a ‘one stop shop’ - a central location for information about common musculoskeletal conditions where information was tailored to a person’s condition and risk of poor outcome. MyPainHub was then developed through an iterative process and implementation strategies were tailored to different healthcare settings. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation occurred with patients and HCPs. RESULTS The development phase led to embedding two validated screening tools (the Short Form Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire and the Keele STarT MSK tool) in MyPainHub to guide tailoring of information for patients based on risk of poor outcome. Information for patients was categorised using key guideline-based messages (general information, your pathway, exercise, and imaging) and information for clinicians was categorised into assessment, management and prognosis. Patients and HCPs found MyPainHub to be user-friendly, credible and an acceptable website. The most effective implementation strategies were interactive education via online webinars and workshops. Following implementation, the information contained on MyPainHub changed knowledge and practice for some users. Challenges such as insufficient training and limitation to implementation of MyPainHub into existing clinical workflows were identified. CONCLUSIONS Following extensive and iterative stakeholder engagement, MyPainHub was developed as an evidence-based online resource and perceived by patients and HCPs to be user-friendly, credible and acceptable. Active implementation strategies are required for adoption and implementation and greater training that focuses on strategies to implement MyPainHub into clinical practice is likely to be necessary.