This proof of concept and feasibility study will adopt a mixed methods approach. The primary objectives will be to assess participants' acceptance and usability of a package of self-help videos for Plantar Fasciitis designed to be accessed shortly after suitable participants are referred to the podiatry service, and also the feasibility of conducting a future randomised controlled trial. The secondary objectives will be to assess the effects of the intervention on pain and quality of life.
This proof of concept and feasibility project will investigate the use of a self-help package of virtual resources for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The research will involve a small group of ten, shortly after participants are referred to Cardiff \& Vale UHB podiatry service and join the waiting list. The virtual resources will include short videos demonstrating ways of managing symptoms, such as gentle stretching exercises, and footwear recommendations. Participants will be given access to these resources to watch at their convenience. Patient reported outcome measures (foot pain, and quality of life) will be collated at baseline and periodically up to 6 weeks. Participants' acceptability of these resources will be assessed through interviews at the end of the six weeks. The feasibility of conducting a future randomised controlled trial will be assessed by looking at recruitment rates, retention and any patient safety issues. It is hoped the long term benefit will be that participants joining the waiting list can engage with these resources at the earliest opportunity to help manage their symptoms. This research is important because it presents an opportunity to work with participants at the start of joining a waiting list, and the benefits of early access to virtual resources could be applicable to a number of different health problems.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
Single arm study. Participants are given access to self help videos for the management of plantar fasciitis while they are on the waiting list
Clinical research facility
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Acceptability of resources as assessed through semi structured interviews
End of study semi-structured interviews, analysed using a thematic approach.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Usability of resources as assessed through semi structured interviews
End of study semi-structured interviews, analysed using a thematic approach
Time frame: 6 weeks
Feasibility as assessed through recruitment and retention rates
End of study assessment of feasibility through recruitment and retention rates.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Feasibility as assessed through adverse events.
End of study assessment of feasibility through adverse events
Time frame: 6 weeks
Assess effects of intervention on pain using Visual Analogue Scale with higher scores indicating a worse outcome
Patient reported outcome measures recorded at baseline, 2 4 and 6 weeks
Time frame: 6 weeks
Assess effects of intervention on quality of life using EQ5D (EuroQol) with higher scores indicating a worse outcome
Patient reported outcome measures at baseline, 2 4 and 6 weeks
Time frame: 6 weeks
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