Internet Enhanced, Patient-Centered Orthopedic Care: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial

Phase I Study Comparing Internet Delivered Home Exercise Programs to Standard Orthopedic Care and Outpatient Physical Therapy.

The investigators have previously reported on patient utilization of an eRehab patient education web portal that utilizes streaming, clinician prescribed video instruction to motivate and inform patients in self-care of their orthopedic condition, focusing on the importance of a home exercise program. The greatest barrier to patient use of this web-based home exercise treatment plan was the initial access to the program. The purpose of this study is to compare an Internet-based patient education rehab portal (eRehab) to formal physical therapy (PT) in terms of patient costs and outcomes.

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled pilot study. Twenty-four patients who were candidates for a knee or shoulder orthopedic outpatient physical therapy referral were randomized to a 6-week treatment course of either PT or eRehab. Patients were evaluated for outcome scores (KOOS or DASH), pain NRS-11 scores, patient subjective outcomes and cost of treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patient diagnosed by board certified orthopedic surgeon to be in need of formal physical therapy referral
• had the ability to access and use the Internet and email
• English-speaking
• non-pregnant adults
• had not received formal physical therapy for their current diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

• work-related injuries
• pain NRS-11 score greater than or equal to 6