Informing Implementation of a National Integrated Clinical Pathway for Low Back Pain in Ireland: A Pre‐Implementation Qualitative Study With General Practitioners
2025

Exploring GP Views on a New Low Back Pain Pathway in Ireland

Sample size: 15 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cathriona Murphy, Helen French, Geraldine McCarthy, Bianca Albers, Caitriona Cunningham

Primary Institution: University College Dublin

Hypothesis

What are the perceptions of General Practitioners regarding the new low back pain pathway in Ireland?

Conclusion

The study outlines the challenges of implementing a new national integrated low back pain pathway in primary care settings.

Supporting Evidence

  • Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide.
  • Clinical pathways can improve patient outcomes and resource use.
  • General Practitioners are critical for the successful implementation of the new pathway.

Takeaway

This study talks to doctors about a new plan to help people with back pain in Ireland, figuring out what might help or get in the way of making it work.

Methodology

Qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of GPs, analyzed using Framework Analysis.

Potential Biases

Potential bias from the researchers' previous involvement in the pathway's development.

Limitations

The study's findings may not be generalizable beyond the specific context of Irish general practices.

Participant Demographics

General Practitioners from both urban and rural settings in Ireland.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1002/msc.v23.1.e7003004

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