Objectives: The aim was to investigate the resource use and costs associated with the co-creation of a physical activity plan for persons with chronic widespread pain (CWP) followed by support through a digital platform, compared to telephone follow-up.
Methods: In this 12-month cost comparison study following up results after a randomized controlled trial, individuals with CWP, aged 20-65 years, were recruited at primary healthcare units in Western Sweden. All participants developed a person-centered health-enhancing physical activity plan together with a physiotherapist. Participants were then randomized to either an intervention group (n = 69) who had a follow-up visit after 2 weeks and was thereafter supported through a digital platform, or an active control group (n = 70) that was followed up through one phone call after a month. Costs to the health system were salary costs for the time recorded by physiotherapists when delivering the interventions.
Results: The reported time per person (2.8 h during the 12 months) corresponded to costs of SEK 958 (range: 746-1,517) for the initial visits and follow-up (both study groups), and an additional 2.5 h (corresponding to a mean SEK 833; range: 636-1,257) for the time spent in the digital platform to support the intervention group.
Conclusion: After co-creation of a physical activity plan, it was more costly to support persons through a digital platform, compared to telephone follow-up.
Keywords: chronic pain; exercise; healthcare costs; patient-centered care; physical therapy specialty; telemedicine.
© 2024 the author(s), published by De Gruyter.