Feasibility of a Community-Based Aquatic and Peer Support Intervention for People With Musculoskeletal Disorders Delivered via a Cross-Sector Partnership-A Service Evaluation

Introduction: Worldwide, the unmet rehabilitation needs of adults with musculoskeletal disorders are high. Aquatic exercise is clinically effective in managing musculoskeletal disorders, but access to rehabilitative services is limited.

Objective: To determine the feasibility of a community-based aquatic exercise and peer support intervention for patients with musculoskeletal disorders delivered via a multisector partnership between an NHS physiotherapy service, a leisure operator and a social enterprise that creates personalised exercise programmes delivered through an application on a tablet computer. Cost-sharing was implemented after an initial complimentary session.

Methods: A mixed method service evaluation was undertaken. Patient demographics, attendance, and patient-reported outcomes were summarised using descriptive statistics. Semi-structured interviews and an online survey were employed to explore patient acceptability of the intervention.

Results: Thirty four patients accessed the intervention during the 6-month pilot. Over half were from minority ethnic groups and nearly two thirds were in the bottom three deciles relating to low income. Patients exercised in a group of up to eight, supported by NHS rehabilitation professionals and volunteers. Provision of post-session refreshments encouraged connectivity between patients. Weekly attendance at the programme was high. Patient-reported outcome measures showed favourable changes in pain intensity and function following the intervention. Qualitative data suggest that the intervention was acceptable to patients.

Conclusion: Implementation of a community-based aquatic exercise and peer support intervention for people with musculoskeletal disorders via a cross-sector partnership involving the NHS appears feasible and acceptable to patients. Further research is needed to assess the impact on musculoskeletal health and health inequalities.