Feasibility, engagement and acceptability of a digitised, innovative psychosocial recovery program for individuals post-MVA

Start Date

23 August 2023

End Date

30 June 2025

Project Participants

Insurance Australia Group (IAG), LeapForward, University of Sydney

Status: Completed

Tags: behaviour change, community care, consumer engagement, digital coaching, digital therapeutics, insurance, mental health, psychosocial recovery, rehabilitation, return to work

Opportunity 

LeapForward, an Australian health tech company serving the personal injury sector, uses a digital engagement platform centred on a six-week program that harnesses technology and a people-centric approach to coach and support people through injury or illness. 

Working with NRMA Insurance and The University of Sydney, this project looked at the opportunities and benefits of using digital engagement to support people returning to health, life and work after a motor vehicle accident (MVA). 

Objectives 

The project evaluated LeapForward, seeking to: 

  • understand the use, engagement and acceptability of this digital platform by those recovering from motor vehicle accidents. 
  • explore how it addressed the psychosocial barriers that most significantly impact recovery by empowering individuals to make progress in their recovery with confidence and control. 
  • build further evidence for the impact of this novel approach to supporting recovery, specifically in the area of motor accident recovery. 

The project demonstrated that participants experienced significant improvements across key psychosocial measures when using Leap Forward as part of their recovery from a motor vehicle injury. Results included reduced psychological distress, improved wellbeing, increased self-efficacy. Participants reported positive user experiences and acceptability of the platform and program. They highlighted the value of goal setting, reminders, progress tracking and personalised support features. Findings also identified opportunities to further enhance personalisation and engagement. 

The project provides important evidence supporting the role of digitally–enabled psychosocial rehabilitation for injury recovery. The findings supported the implementation and broader adoption of this innovative approach, with NRMA Insurance offering access to the platform to claimants at medium or poor risk of recovery. 

Integrity, Excellence,
Teamwork and Authenticity

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