Clinical Evidence
We’re committed to making sure our software delivers safe, effective results for real people in real settings.
Below you’ll find concise summaries and links to full reports from our trials, pilots, and case studies.
Explore what we tested, what we learned, and how DigitalMSK is helping organisations identify MSK issues earlier, guide appropriate care, and improve outcomes at scale.
Evaluation of a Musculoskeletal Digital Assessment Tool: Crossover Randomized Pilot Trial
September 2025
Simon Alford, Lead Researcher and Senior Lecturer in Preventative Medicine, University of Lancashire and Lead researcher.
Karen May, Principal Lecturer and Academic Lead for Performance and Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lancashire.
Paula Campbell, Physiotherapist and Lecturer, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lancashire. Physiotherapy Lecturer,
Adam Cook, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader MSc Musculoskeletal Management, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lancashire.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank all those people who participated in this study. We would also particularly like to thank Wibbi whose platform hosts the triage software and Kirsten Lord from beelineMSK® for support accessing the online platform throughout the duration of the study.
This study was funded by the Private Physiotherapy Educational Foundation.
Trial Summary
Background: Digital triage software offers potential to improve access to musculoskeletal (MSK) care, reduce healthcare workload, and support workplace health initiatives. However, evidence on its reliability and user acceptance remains limited.
Objective: To assess the agreement between a digital triage tool and physiotherapist-led assessment for MSK conditions, and to explore participant perceptions of the tool’s usability.
Methods: A total of 100 people completed both a digital triage and physiotherapist led consultation in a crossover design. Inter-rater agreement was evaluated using Gwet’s Agreement Coefficient 2. Participants completed an online survey assessing usability, trust, and attitudes toward workplace use. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data.
Results: Agreement between the physiotherapist and digital triage outcomes was 84% (AC2 = 0.8859, near-perfect agreement). In total, 16 discrepancies primarily resulted from the software flagging potential red-flag symptoms—most commonly “tingling or numbness in both arms and/or legs” (56% of mismatches), recommending more urgent referral than the physiotherapist. Mean completion time for the triage was 8 min 59 sec, with 97% satisfaction with the duration, and 91% finding the software easy to use. Furthermore, 89% of participants would complete the assessment if provided by their employer and 82% would recommend it to a colleague.
Conclusions: Digital triage software for MSK conditions showed it was safe to use with high agreement with physiotherapist assessments, high usability, and broad willingness for workplace adoption. Furthermore, the clinical trial generated evidence-based recommendations for refinement, indicating the potential to increase clinical accuracy to the mid 90%.
Keywords:
Digital triage, musculoskeletal, accessibility, physiotherapy, agreement, usability, workplace health.
Case Study: WorkScreen
DigitalMSK pilot in construction & agriculture sectors
Introduction
In construction and agriculture, musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are a constant risk to productivity and safety. This pilot tested an employer-approved, proactive MSK approach using DigitalMSK to identify issues, guide self-management, and streamline escalation to appropriate care, if required.
Context
Sector: Construction and agriculture (3 employers)
Setting: MSK screening and support
Participants: 31 employees (23 men, 8 women)
Approach: DigitalMSK self-assessment with optional 30minute physiotherapy consultation
The challenge
MSK conditions are a leading cause of staff absence and reduced productivity. Many employees delay seeking help or hesitate to inform their employer, increasing costs and prolonging recovery. Employers need a simple, accessible and costeffective process to spot risk early, support selfmanagement, and route people to the right level of care.
The solution
DigitalMSK is a 24/7 digital selfassessment and triage with personalised guidance.
Triage routes to: A&E, NHS 111, GP, or MSK clinician.
Workplace-ready deployment via branded portals, secure results, and an administrative dashboard.
Integrates with workplace, clinical, occupational health, and wellbeing pathways.
Pilot design
Volunteers: 31 participants across three manualwork employers including admin staff.
Process: Those with current MSK issues completed a DigitalMSK assessment, offered a 30minute physio session and asked to complete a survey. Those without MSK issues completed a survey.
Preparation: Localised participant information and consent, two survey variants, platform onboarding and training.
Platform: Configured and run on the Wibbi platform.
Key results
Prevalence
51.6% reported a current MSK condition, all were working full duties.
31.25% of those with MSK issues had previously taken sickness absence.
100% reported their MSK issue had recurred more than once.
Acceptance
93.75% would complete an employer-provided online assessment
100% would answer honestly.
87.5% would share outcomes with their employer, if treatment is supported.
62.5% would use online selfassessment before visiting a GP.
87.5% would complete an annual selfassessment if provided by their employer.
81.25% would recommend DigitalMSK to a colleague.
Reported benefit
54% of those completing both the selfassessment and a physiotherapy discussion said it helped them manage their problem.
User insights
Clear communication of benefits improves trust and uptake. Participants valued fast, practical guidance from digital tools alongside access to clinicians if needed.
Employer benefits
Enables a shift from reactive sickness management to preventative, employee-wide MSK health.
Potential to reduce avoidable healthcare utilisation, shorten absence duration and improve workplace productivity.
Provides scalable, consistent triage across whole or higherrisk workforces.
Testing site
Ovidius Aqua Line — Contact: Ovidiu Gherghe
Conclusion
The WorkScreen pilot demonstrated that digital MSK self-assessment is well accepted by employees, supports earlier identification of musculoskeletal issues, and provides timely guidance that can contribute to healthier, safer and more productive workplaces.