Researchers from Health and Computer Science have worked with the RUH on a smartphone app that helps patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) track their daily symptoms and behaviour.

Rheumatology outpatients at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust have praised a ground breaking virtual rehabilitation programme as ‘excellent’ and thanked the ‘dedicated staff’.

The Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) Programme is usually carried out in person but in response to the challenges of COVID-19, outpatients can now access a virtual rehab programme – one of the first of its kind in the country.

Patients at the RUH have been full of praise for the online course, which has physiotherapists on hand to take them through a range of exercises and answer any questions they may have.

This has allowed people with AxSpA to gain a better understanding of their condition, while also providing key data for research, providing a unique, new understanding of AxSpA and patients’ daily experiences.

CAMERA alumni Rosie Barnett, PhD Student and Researcher from the Department for Health working on Project Nightingale, said: “Project Nightingale is allowing us to capture subtle changes in disease experience, not currently considered in clinical practice. We hope that in future, this research will help optimise and personalise treatment for AxSpA, to improve quality of life for patients.

“Some of our participants have said that the app has helped them better understand their condition and encouraged them to implement lifestyle changes to improve their symptoms. We are excited about the future of this work and the impact it may have on the AxSpA community.”

Keep reading for more information on the project.