Development of a screening tool predicting the transition from acute to chronic low back pain for patients in a GP setting: Protocol of a multinational prospective cohort study
2008

Screening Tool for Low Back Pain Transition

Sample size: 800 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Melloh Markus, Aebli Nikolaus, Elfering Achim, Röder Christoph, Zweig Thomas, Barz Thomas, Herbison Peter, Hendrick Paul, Bajracharya Suraj, Stout Kirsten, Theis Jean-Claude

Primary Institution: University of Otago

Hypothesis

Specific biomedical, psychological, social, and occupational outcome assessment tools are identifiers for the transition from acute to chronic low back pain at a time point between 3 and 12 weeks.

Conclusion

The study aims to develop a screening tool to identify patients at risk of developing chronic low back pain from acute low back pain.

Supporting Evidence

  • Low back pain is the most prevalent and costly musculoskeletal problem.
  • About 10% of patients with acute low back pain develop chronic low back pain.
  • Identifying patients at risk early can help prevent chronic low back pain.

Takeaway

This study is trying to find out how to tell if someone with back pain might end up having it for a long time, so doctors can help them early.

Methodology

Patients with acute low back pain will be recruited from GP clinics in New Zealand and Switzerland and assessed through surveys at multiple follow-up points.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from self-reported data and differences in healthcare systems between countries.

Limitations

The study may have limitations related to patient recruitment and follow-up rates.

Participant Demographics

Participants will be adults aged 18-65 with acute low back pain, recruited from general practitioner clinics.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-9-167

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