Evaluation of a patient communication resource (Check-Backv2) in rural chronic disease settings

The intervention is the Check-BackV2 package which has been developed to help rural patients with chronic diseases or carers of someone with a chronic disease build their skills and confidence to engage in active, two-way discussions with clinicians. The Check-BackV2 package comprises a 6-page pamphlet, a wallet card and postcard with reminders to use check-back and a link to the revised check-back website (the latter for optional viewing). The pamphlet, wallet card and postcard include a brief description of what Check-back is and how to use it in health appointments. The resources have been designed specifically for this study. Participants in the intervention group will also be sent two SMS reminders (at weeks 4 and 5 after the intervention pack is sent) to use check-back during their next planned health appointment. These resources and revisions to the check-back website have been co-designed with consumers and clinicians as part of The Check-Back study (ACTRN12623000378628). The Check-BackV2 website will be a modified version of the current check-back website (https://checkback.org/). This website is self-administered, includes videos, animations and a personal action plan, and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. The Check-BackV2 package will be mailed to participants in the intervention group at once recruitment is finalised. Participants will be able to read the pamphlet and view the website as often as they wish. We will collect survey data at weeks 2 and 12 following their health appointment, and 10 participants will be interviewed. Clinicians who work within chronic disease services at a participating health service will also be invited to be interviewed. These clinicians may or may not have provided care to participants during the study period. The primary purpose of these interviews will be to inform the implementation aspects of the process evaluation, based on the RE-AIM framework.