A Qualitative Evaluation of Two Electronic‐Rehabilitation Programmes for Managing Persistent Knee Pain

Introduction Persistent knee pain often due to knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent and disabling condition. Electronic-rehabilitation (e-rehab) programmes have the potential to support self-management of knee OA. This study aimed to evaluate user engagement and acceptability of two e-rehab programmes, Group e-rehab, a remote physiotherapy-led programme and My Knee UK, a self-directed web-based exercise programme.

Methods Descriptive qualitative study nested within a feasibility trial. In-depth interviews were conducted remotely. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results Eighteen participants from the feasibility trial took part in the interviews, 10 who received Group e-rehab and eight My Knee UK. Two key themes were engagement with exercise and impact of programme. Despite initial challenges with doing the exercises, most participants found both programmes acceptable and beneficial in improving symptoms and knowledge in managing their knee pain. Multiple factors contributed to motivation to exercise.

Discussion Understanding more about users' perception and acceptability of both programmes was important to ascertain, both from people who engaged and those who did not engage with the programmes, to make improvements for the future delivery of the e-rehab programmes.

Conclusion Group e-rehab and My Knee UK can support people to self-manage their persistent knee pain due to knee OA. The e-rehab programmes have the potential to improve health services by providing two new models of service delivery enabling more patients to receive support and training to equip them to effectively manage their knee OA.