Oral Presentation ARA-NSW 2017 - 39th Annual NSW Branch Meeting

Development of a consumer version of the acute low back pain model of care (#13)

Carlos El-Haddad 1 2 3 , Chris Needs 1 4 , Robyn Speerin 1 , Matthew Jennings 1 5 , Chris Maher 1 6 , Patricia Schlotfedt 1 7 , Chris Barnett 1 8 , Poori Sarrami 1 , Tara Dimopoulos-Bick 1 , Ian Starkey 1 9
  1. Musculoskeletal Network, Agency for Clinical Innovation, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Dept. of Rheumatology, Campbelltown Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  3. Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  4. Dept. of Rheumatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  5. Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  6. Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  7. Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  8. John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
  9. Blacktown & Mt Druitt Hospitals, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Background:    

The NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) recently produced an evidence based model of care for acute low back pain (LBP), which is currently being implemented in clinical practice. However, qualitative research studies have highlighted the need for novel methods in educating patients with acute LBP regarding their condition and also current treatment approaches.

 

Methods:

The musculoskeletal network of the ACI undertook a project to develop a consumer version of the acute LBP model of care document. This involved several steps: focus group meetings with consumers, thematic analysis of focus group findings, development of a draft consumer version, review of the draft document by consumers, and subsequent finalisation of the document.  

Results: Particular consumer priorities which were addressed include discussion around the role of imaging in low back pain, avoidance of acronyms, use of case studies, acknowledging the impact of low back pain, and using diagrams/images in the document.

Conclusions:

The consumer version of the acute LBP model of care document can be used in clinical practice to help educate patients regarding their disease, the reasoning behind decisions regarding imaging and also current treatment approaches to low back pain.