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A remote first nation community-informed virtual care approach to chronic back pain management: a mixed methods study.

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Title: A remote first nation community-informed virtual care approach to chronic back pain management: a mixed methods study.
Authors: Lovo S; School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.; Virtual Health Hub, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada., Sawatsky R; School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada., Amjad K; School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada., Ahmad K; School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada., Imea B; School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada., Bowes B; School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.; Virtual Health Hub, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada., McKinney V; Northern Medical Services, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoo, Saskatchewan, Canada., Sewap S; Angelique Canada Health Center, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan, Canada., Dorion R; Angelique Canada Health Center, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan, Canada., Bath B; School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Source: International journal of circumpolar health [Int J Circumpolar Health] 2025 Dec 31; Vol. 84 (1), pp. 2574110. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Nov 06.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Taylor & Francis Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 9713056 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2242-3982 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 12399736 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Int J Circumpolar Health Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Publication: 2016- : Philadelphia, PA : Taylor & Francis
Original Publication: Oulu, Finland : International Union for Circumpolar Health and the Nordic Society of Arctic Medicine, [1997-
MeSH Terms: Back Pain*/therapy , Back Pain*/ethnology , Chronic Pain*/therapy , Health Services, Indigenous*/organization & administration , Pain Management*/methods , Indigenous Canadians*, Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Community-Based Participatory Research ; Quality of Life ; Telemedicine
Abstract: Chronic back pain (CBP) is a widespread public health issue. There is a lack of community-based care options for Indigenous Peoples with CBP. A virtual care clinic co-designed with community was implemented in the Cree Community of Pelican Narrows using remote presence (RPR) technology. Methods We used a community-based participatory action framework and pre-post design to evaluate this intervention. Pain, quality of life and experience outcomes were measured. An assessment was provided by a local nurse practitioner and a physical therapist joining over RPR. The physical therapist provided jp to four follow-up treatments per participant using RPR. Results Thirty-eight participants were assessed, and 78 follow-up treatments delivered. No significant differences between pre- and post- pain or quality of life were found. Thirteen patient participants and five health providers completed interviews. Patient themes included: (1) community and healthcare context, (2) community preferences for back pain care, and (3) experience with virtual back pain clinic. Health care provider themes included: (1) getting people to clinic, (2) experience with virtual back pain clinic, and (3) ways to enhance care. Conclusion Virtual CBP clinic enhanced access to therapy and was experienced positively. Participants suggested ways to address challenges, including a hybrid model of care.
Comments: Erratum in: Int J Circumpolar Health. 2025 Dec 31;84(1):2589626. doi: 10.1080/22423982.2025.2589626.. (PMID: 41239961)
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Contributed Indexing: Keywords: Chronic back pain; interprofessional team; physical therapy; telerehabilitation; virtual care
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20251107 Date Completed: 20251107 Latest Revision: 20251118
Update Code: 20251118
PubMed Central ID: PMC12614343
DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2025.2574110
PMID: 41199482
Database: MEDLINE
Description
Abstract:Chronic back pain (CBP) is a widespread public health issue. There is a lack of community-based care options for Indigenous Peoples with CBP. A virtual care clinic co-designed with community was implemented in the Cree Community of Pelican Narrows using remote presence (RPR) technology. Methods We used a community-based participatory action framework and pre-post design to evaluate this intervention. Pain, quality of life and experience outcomes were measured. An assessment was provided by a local nurse practitioner and a physical therapist joining over RPR. The physical therapist provided jp to four follow-up treatments per participant using RPR. Results Thirty-eight participants were assessed, and 78 follow-up treatments delivered. No significant differences between pre- and post- pain or quality of life were found. Thirteen patient participants and five health providers completed interviews. Patient themes included: (1) community and healthcare context, (2) community preferences for back pain care, and (3) experience with virtual back pain clinic. Health care provider themes included: (1) getting people to clinic, (2) experience with virtual back pain clinic, and (3) ways to enhance care. Conclusion Virtual CBP clinic enhanced access to therapy and was experienced positively. Participants suggested ways to address challenges, including a hybrid model of care.
ISSN:2242-3982
DOI:10.1080/22423982.2025.2574110