Early Access to Virtual Resources for the Self-management of Plantar Fasciitis: A Proof of Concept and Feasibility Study

This proof of concept and feasibility project will investigate the use of a self-help package of virtual resources for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The research will involve a small group of ten, shortly after participants are referred to Cardiff & Vale UHB podiatry service and join the waiting list.

The virtual resources will include short videos demonstrating ways of managing symptoms, such as gentle stretching exercises, and footwear recommendations. Participants will be given access to these resources to watch at their convenience. Patient reported outcome measures (foot pain, and quality of life) will be collated at baseline and periodically up to 6 weeks. Participants' acceptability of these resources will be assessed through interviews at the end of the six weeks.

The feasibility of conducting a future randomised controlled trial will be assessed by looking at recruitment rates, retention and any patient safety issues. It is hoped the long term benefit will be that participants joining the waiting list can engage with these resources at the earliest opportunity to help manage their symptoms.

This research is important because it presents an opportunity to work with participants at the start of joining a waiting list, and the benefits of early access to virtual resources could be applicable to a number of different health problems.