Digital psychosocial recovery program after motor vehicle accident in compensation claimants: proof-of-concept study.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Digital psychosocial recovery program after motor vehicle accident in compensation claimants: proof-of-concept study.
Authors: Stratton, E. (AUTHOR), Glozier, N. (AUTHOR)
Source: Disability & Rehabilitation. Aug2026, Vol. 48 Issue 16, p5326-5342. 17p.
Subjects: Traffic accidents -- Psychological aspects, Psychotherapy, Mobile apps, Job involvement, T-test (Statistics), Research funding, Psychological distress, Self-efficacy, Evaluation of human services programs, Medical care, Clinical trials, Questionnaires, Interviewing, Work environment, Pilot projects, Internet, Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test, Psychological well-being, Psychological adaptation, Workers' compensation, Pre-tests & post-tests, Sound recordings, Thematic analysis, Motivation (Psychology), Convalescence, Research methodology, Data analysis software, Soft tissue injuries, Employment reentry
Abstract: Purpose: Psychological distress commonly persists following motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), particularly for individuals navigating compensation systems. This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary psychosocial benefits of LeapForward an adjunctive digital intervention incorporating AI-led coaching and lifestyle medicine to support standard rehabilitation care. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods pre-post design. Compensation claimants with Soft-Tissue Injuries (STI) or Orthopaedic injuries post MVA were referred by an insurer. Participants completed baseline and post-program assessments of psychological distress, wellbeing, and self-efficacy. Return-to-work status and engagement metrics were collected. Participants were stratified into early (≤12 weeks) and late-stage (≥13 weeks) post-injury groups. Follow-up interviews explored program impact. Quantitative data were analysed using intention-to-treat; qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results: Fifty-three adults enrolled; 79% completed post-intervention measures. Significant improvements were found in psychological distress (d = 0.88), wellbeing (d = 1.13), and self-efficacy (d = 0.26). Workplace outcomes were positive but not statistically significant. No differences emerged between early and late-stage groups. Qualitative findings highlighted user motivation, improved daily structure, and emotional coping as key benefits. Users valued the app's accessibility and supportive features. Conclusion: LeapForward: is a feasible, acceptable adjunct to rehabilitation care with potential to enhance psychosocial recovery after MVA. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Digital psychosocial interventions like LeapForward can serve as scalable adjuncts to standard rehabilitation care. Improvements in wellbeing, distress, and self-efficacy show potential to strengthen recovery outcomes. High usability and acceptability support integration into daily routines and coping strategies. Early integration and tailored delivery may optimise engagement and functional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Disability & Rehabilitation is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Description
Abstract:Purpose: Psychological distress commonly persists following motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), particularly for individuals navigating compensation systems. This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary psychosocial benefits of LeapForward an adjunctive digital intervention incorporating AI-led coaching and lifestyle medicine to support standard rehabilitation care. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods pre-post design. Compensation claimants with Soft-Tissue Injuries (STI) or Orthopaedic injuries post MVA were referred by an insurer. Participants completed baseline and post-program assessments of psychological distress, wellbeing, and self-efficacy. Return-to-work status and engagement metrics were collected. Participants were stratified into early (≤12 weeks) and late-stage (≥13 weeks) post-injury groups. Follow-up interviews explored program impact. Quantitative data were analysed using intention-to-treat; qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results: Fifty-three adults enrolled; 79% completed post-intervention measures. Significant improvements were found in psychological distress (d = 0.88), wellbeing (d = 1.13), and self-efficacy (d = 0.26). Workplace outcomes were positive but not statistically significant. No differences emerged between early and late-stage groups. Qualitative findings highlighted user motivation, improved daily structure, and emotional coping as key benefits. Users valued the app's accessibility and supportive features. Conclusion: LeapForward: is a feasible, acceptable adjunct to rehabilitation care with potential to enhance psychosocial recovery after MVA. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Digital psychosocial interventions like LeapForward can serve as scalable adjuncts to standard rehabilitation care. Improvements in wellbeing, distress, and self-efficacy show potential to strengthen recovery outcomes. High usability and acceptability support integration into daily routines and coping strategies. Early integration and tailored delivery may optimise engagement and functional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:09638288
DOI:10.1080/09638288.2026.2618928