A three-group study, internet-based, face-to-face based and standard- management after acute whiplash associated disorders (WAD) - choosing the most efficient and cost-effective treatment : Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

• Background The management of Whiplash Associated Disorders is one of   the most complicated challenges with high expenses for the health care   system and society. There are still no general guidelines or scientific   documentation to unequivocally support any single treatment for acute   care following whiplash injury.   The main purpose of this study is to try a new behavioural medicine   intervention strategy at acute phase aimed to reduce the number of   patients who have persistent problems after the whiplash injury. The   goal is also to identify which of three different interventions that is   most cost-effective for patients with Whiplash Associated Disorders. In   this study we are controlling for two factors. First, the effect of   behavioural medicine approach is compared with standard care. Second,   the manner in which the behavioural medicine treatment is administered,   Internet or face-to-face, is evaluated in it's effectiveness and   cost-effectiveness.  Methods/Design The study is a randomized, prospective, experimental   three-group study with analyses of cost-effectiveness up to two-years   follow-up. Internet-based programme and face-to-face group treatment   programme are compared to standard-treatment only. Patient follow-ups   take place three, six, twelve and 24 months, that is, short-term as   well as long-term effects are evaluated. Patients will be enrolled via   the emergency ward during the first week after the accident.  Discussion This new self-help management will concentrate to those   psychosocial factors that are shown to be predictive in long-term   problems in Whiplash Associated Disorders, i.e. the importance of   self-efficacy, fear of movement, and the significance of   catastrophizing as a coping strategy for restoring and sustaining   activities of daily life. Within the framework of this project, we will   develop, broaden and evaluate current physical therapy treatment   methods for acute Whiplash Associated Disorders. The project will   contribute to the creation of a cost-effective behavioural medicine   approach to management of acute Whiplash Associated Disorders. The   results of this study will answer an important question; on what extent   and how should these patients be treated at acute stage and how much   does the best management cost.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Sjukgymnastik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Physiotherapy (hsv//eng)

Keyword

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)