The Potential of a Multimodal Digital Care Program in Addressing Healthcare Inequities in MSK Pain Management

Study Overview

Published in Nature Digital Medicine, this study supports Sword Health’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, by showing the ability of digital musculoskeletal (MSK) care to provide equitable rehabilitation (as measured by pain levels, medication intake, mental health and productivity) to patients across various socioeconomic contexts. While digital interventions have been used as a solution for time and geographical barriers, their potential to target other social determinants of health is unexplored. Sword’s patient-centered digital care program (DCP) not only eliminates geographic restrictions and time barriers, but also allows each patient to choose their therapist from a diverse pool of physical therapists in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, cultural background, and spoken languages. With a culturally sensitive team, Sword is able to facilitate therapeutic alliance and compassionate rapport necessary for treatment adherence and positive outcomes.