A government research project that includes NRMA Insurance will trial use of a virtual health coach to help improve return to work rates after motor accidents. 

Startup LeapForward will work with NRMA Insurance and The University of Sydney, and its platform will coach and support people through injury or illness in a six-week trial. 

“LeapForward’s virtual health coach teaches participants skills to overcome the unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that are holding them back and gives them daily support on their recovery journey,” LeapForward Founder and CEO Libby Roberts said. 

“It is exciting to build further evidence for the impact of our novel approach to supporting recovery, specifically in the area of motor accident recovery.” 

Over 240,000 Australians aged 15 years and over experience motor injury in any 12-month period. 

NRMA Insurance Health and Recovery Manager Zoe Wang says the impact of motor incidents are broad. 

“We are always looking at ways we can support injured road users during their recovery and look forward to exploring how the use of technology can help deliver the best possible outcomes,” she said. 

The University of Sydney will study a sample of around 100 participants who have been injured. 

“A rigorous evaluation is required to determine the program’s ability to engage and retain users,” Professor Nick Glozier said. “We will be looking to build an evidence-base to see if the use of this digital intervention induces change in users’ health and wellbeing, and ultimately has the potential to reduce personal injury claim costs longer-term.”