getUBetter App: New app for patients with musculoskeletal conditions
The getUBetter app is now being introduced across Sutton to enable patients to self-manage musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and self-refer to our MSK services when further intervention is required.
Most musculoskeletal conditions and injuries can be self-managed from start to end without specialist MSK treatment. getUBetter is an app that allows patients to self-manage at home, work, and on the move. It can be accessed on a smartphone or on the web and guides patients day-by-day through a sequence of exercises and tips to aid recovery from a range of new or recurrent musculoskeletal conditions, like back pain and ankle pain.
It is designed to help patients recover, understand when and where to seek help, and prevent further injuries. Patients can access the app without even having to contact or see a healthcare professional first or have the app prescribed when they see their GP, Physiotherapist or healthcare clinician.
In Sutton, the app is also being utilised to introduce self-referral into our MSK services; patients who require further input are prompted to book an appointment with the MSK team via the Single Point of Referral (SPOR) team without needing to go back to their GP for a referral. This unique feature aligns with our clinical pathways, with national guidance and recommendations and has safety measures built in.
Johan Holte, Consultant Physiotherapist, Sutton Health and Care, said: “The getUBetter app will revolutionise the way we work with patients. It provides a platform where the patient can self-management their condition and can trust the advice that is given to them.
It will help to standardise the MSK care for patients in Sutton and it will trigger a referral to our service should the patient not get any better. The patient themselves will fill in a form with all the required information for us to review. It will allow us to easily identify patients who we deem need intervention, urgent care and review.
The getUBetter app is provided free of charge by South West London ICS for patients registered at a Sutton GP practice. You can download the app here.