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Spine

PUBLIC AND PATIENT ENGAGEMENT IN RESEARCH TO DEVELOP TECHNOLOGIES FOR PREDICTING SPINE LOADS IN VIVO

The Society for Back Pain Research (SBPR) 2024 Annual General Meeting: “Innovation in Research and Management of Spine Pain”, Aberdeen, Scotland, 13–14 June 2024.



Abstract

Background

Our current research aims to develop technologies to predict spinal loads in vivo using a combination of imaging and modelling methods. To ensure the project's success and inform future applications of the technology, we sought to understand the opinions and perspectives of patients and the public.

Methods

A 90-minute public and patient involvement event was developed in collaboration with Exeter Science Centre and held on World Spine Day 2023. The event involved a brief introduction to the project goals followed by an interactive questionnaire to gauge the participants’ background knowledge and interest. The participants then discussed five topics: communication, future directions of the research, concerns about the research protocol, concerns about data, and interest in the project team and research process. A final questionnaire was used to determine their thoughts about the event.

Results

Twelve adults attended the event, many motivated by their experience or interest in back pain. A thematic analysis was used to review participant comments on the research project, identifying the need to relate the research to everyday life, present risks in various ways, and be transparent about funding and data sharing. In terms of future applications, participants felt the technology should be used to understand normal spine behaviour, prevent problems, and improve treatment. Participants agreed that they had got something positive out of engaging in the event.

Conclusion

Engagement with public and patient stakeholders is an essential activity that can generate vital information to inform and add value to technology development projects.

Conflicts of interest

No conflicts of interest

Sources of funding

EPSRC grants EP/V036602/1 (Meakin, Holsgrove & Javadi) and EP/V032275/1 (Holt & Williams).


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