Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Assessment of the Effects of Maela Connected Follow-up on Well-being and Pain After Lumbar Spine Surgery

This study is investigating whether using a mobile phone app called Maela for follow-up care after lumbar spine surgery can improve a person's well-being and reduce pain. Currently, no research has looked into how this kind of 'connected follow-up' impacts patients who have had this type of back surgery. Researchers believe that using digital tools might help patients recover better once they leave the hospital, and potentially shorten their stay. The main goal is to compare the app-based follow-up with the usual care patients receive, focusing on how it affects their pain levels and overall quality of life. This study is for people aged 18 to 60 who are having their first lumbar spine surgery and have a smartphone.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens

Enrolment target

Start

06 Oct 2022

Estimated completion

13 Feb 2026

Lumbar Spine Surgery Quality of Life Pain

What is this study about?

This research is looking into a new way to help people recover after a type of back operation called lumbar spine surgery. This is a common surgery for problems with the lower part of your back. Normally, after this surgery, you'd have your follow-up appointments in person or over the phone.

This study is trying something different: using a special app called Maela on your smartphone for your follow-up care. The idea is that this app could help you recover better once you're back home, and it might even mean you don't have to stay in hospital as long. The researchers want to see if using this app makes a difference to how much pain you feel and your overall quality of life compared to the usual follow-up methods.

The main aim is to understand if digital tools like the Maela app can improve your recovery journey and make things easier after your back surgery. It's an important step to see if technology can offer a more flexible and effective way to support patients during their recovery at home.

Key takeaways

Tests if a smartphone app can help recovery after back surgery.
Compares app-based care with standard follow-up.
Aimed at improving pain and quality of life.
For adults aged 18-60 having their first lumbar spine surgery.
Requires a smartphone to use the Maela app.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are adults aged between 18 and 60 years old. You must be having your very first lumbar spine surgery for a common back problem, not for something more serious like an injury or tumour.

To take part, you also need to have a smartphone that can download and run the Maela app. It's important that you understand what the study involves and are happy to give your permission to be part of it.

This means if you've had lumbar spine surgery before, are outside the age range, or don't have a smartphone that can use the app, you won't be able to join this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
Are you having your first ever lumbar spine surgery for a back problem?
Do you have a smartphone that can download and use apps?
Are you willing to give your permission to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would either use a special smartphone app called Maela for your follow-up care after your lumbar spine surgery, or you would receive the standard care that patients usually get. The study doesn't involve any extra medication or changes to your surgery.

Your recovery will be tracked, likely through questionnaires about your pain and how you're feeling, which might be done through the app or during regular follow-up appointments. The detailed length of the follow-up isn't specified, but similar studies often track patients for several weeks or months after surgery to see the full impact.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of a new, potentially more convenient way to manage your recovery through a smartphone app, which could lead to better pain management and quality of life. However, it's also possible that using the app might not change your recovery experience, or you might find using the app a bit challenging. The researchers will be carefully monitoring all participants. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU Amiens
Verified postcode
Amiens, France

Common questions

What is lumbar spine surgery?

It's an operation on the lower part of your back, usually to relieve pain or fix issues with your spine.

What is 'connected follow-up'?

It means using a mobile app (like Maela) on your smartphone to keep in touch with your care team and track your recovery after surgery.

Will I have to pay for the app?

No, if you're in the study, any special apps needed will be provided as part of the research.

What if I don't have a smartphone?

Unfortunately, if you don't have a smartphone that can run the Maela app, you won't be able to join this specific study.

Will my regular doctor be involved?

Yes, your regular doctors will still manage your overall care, and the study will work alongside your usual treatment.