Curable App Supports Chronic Low Back Pain Self-Management
Researchers from the University of the Highlands and Islands and Northumbria University conducted a realist evaluation (JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2026) using telephone interviews with nine participants who used the Curable app for three months to self-manage chronic low back pain. They constructed 20 context-mechanism-outcome configurations supporting three program theories—empowerment, self-management burden, and timing—and found success depends on personalization, timing, and relational trust. The study recommends apps supplement, not replace, clinical support.
Key Points
- 1Constructs 20 CMOCs and refines three theories: empowerment, self-management burden, and timing.
- 2Shows that empowerment depends on credible, accessible knowledge aligned with users' beliefs and expectations.
- 3Recommends personalized timing, low-demand features, and clinician endorsement to improve engagement and continuity.
Scoring Rationale
Strong realist evidence and actionable recommendations, limited by small sample size and single-app case study.
Sources
Public references used for this report.
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