Project Description

WORKSHOP 6:

Launch of a global low back pain helpline

Speakers: Arnold Wong and Paulo Ferreira

Organizers:

• Fabianna de Jesus-Moraleida
• Katharine Roberts
• Tiara Tien
• Jim Zouch

Short description

This workshop unites global experts to design an AI-powered, 24/7 helpline for low back pain, building on the successful Australian model.

Participants will address regional challenges, equitable access, and strategies for international collaboration and funding.

The goal is to develop actionable recommendations and form a taskforce to advance a scalable, evidence-based helpline worldwide.

Full description, including objectives

This workshop aims to advance the development of an international, 24/7 helpline for low back pain (LBP), leveraging digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide accessible, evidence-based support worldwide. The primary objective is to unite global experts, clinicians, researchers, and stakeholders to collaboratively design a scalable helpline model that empowers individuals to self-manage LBP, reduces unnecessary healthcare utilization, and improves adherence to clinical guidelines—particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Building on the success of the NHMRC-funded Australian LBP Help Line, which offers free, tailored advice from allied health professionals, the workshop will explore how this model can be adapted and expanded globally. Participants will discuss facilitators and barriers to implementation, strategies for ensuring equitable access, and opportunities for international collaboration and partnership. The workshop will also focus on developing recommendations for engaging policymakers and funders, and creating a technology roadmap to support adoption in resource-limited settings.

Supported by a culturally and gender-diverse team from three continents and Musculoskeletal Health Australia, and with funding secured in Australia and Brazil, this initiative is well-positioned for global expansion. Participants can help shape a sustainable, AI-powered helpline that delivers real-time, evidence-based support for individuals with LBP worldwide.

Format and agenda

• Welcome and Icebreaking Activities (10 minutes) – Prof Wong and Dr Roberts
  Facilitators engage participants to foster a collaborative atmosphere.
• Keynote Introduction (15 minutes)
  Prof. Ferreira, Dr Roberts, Mr Zouch, and Ms Tian present an overview of traditional LBP Helpline services in Australia and discusses the potential for digital and AI-powered solutions to scale helpline services globally.
• Small Group Discussions by Region (30 minutes) – de Jesus-Moraleida and Mr Zouch
  Participants divide into groups based on geographical location (e.g., Asia-Pacific, Europe, Americas, Africa/Middle East). Each group discusses regional facilitators and barriers to implementing a digital LBP Helpline.
• Group Sharing (15 minutes) – whole team
  Each regional group presents key discussion points and insights to the larger audience.

Tea Break (30 minutes)

• Securing Funding: Experiences and Tips (15 minutes)
  Dr. de Jesus-Moraleida, Dr Roberts, Prof Ferreira, and Prof. Wong share their experiences and practical advice on preparing successful funding proposals for digital health initiatives.
• Thematic Subgroup Breakouts (30 minutes) – de Jesus-Moraleida and Ms Tian
  Participants split into specialized subgroups to address critical topics for helpline development:
  • Equitable Access
  • Policy and Sustainability
  • Funding Opportunities
  • Technology and AI Integration (optional)
  • Consumer Engagement (optional)
• Subgroup Reporting (15 minutes) – whole team
  Each subgroup presents their conclusions and actionable recommendations to the full workshop.
• Formation of International Taskforce (10 minutes) – Ferreira and Prof. Wong
  Interested participants from different regions are invited to join an international taskforce.
• Closing Remarks and Next Steps (10 minutes) – Ferreira
  Facilitators summarize key outcomes, outline immediate next steps, and encourage continued engagement.