Objective

We evaluated first a self-managed web-based programme for activity compared to waiting list for persons with persistent musculoskeletal pain suited for primary health care. Thereafter, we evaluated the effects and process of a novel multimodal treatment intervention combining the web programme with counselling and physiotherapy.

Design

A weekly comparison of measures of outcome data between those using the self-managed web-based programme to those on a waiting list. After that a Single Subject Experimental Design (SSED) evaluation of the multimodal intervention, structured interviews and log data.

Setting

Clinical setting in primary health care.

Subjects

Ten participants with persistent musculoskeletal pain.

Intervention

First, only a self-managed web-based programme for activity. Thereafter a multimodal intervention combining the web programme with counselling and physiotherapy.

Main measures

Effect measures were work ability, pain intensity, disability and self-efficacy. Process evaluation by interviews of the participants and log data of usage of the modalities.

Results

There were no conclusive effects of the self-managed web-based programme as compared to waiting list. The SSED analyses of the multi-modal showed promising short-term results regarding disability and pain intensity, but no conclusive results for work ability or self-efficacy. The multimodal intervention process seemed successfully implemented, and the importance of physiotherapy and to some extent counselling was emphasized by the participants.

Conclusion

For persons with persistent musculoskeletal pain, the newly designed multimodal intervention in primary care seemed feasible and showed some promising short-terms effects, while the implementation of a self-managed web-based programme as a single intervention seemed without effect.