Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine GP’s and PT’s views of a physiotherapy led acute low back pain service
Acute back pain sufferers develop chronic symptoms but early management may prevent chronicity ( 1). The Stafford-shire Acute Back Pain Service (StABS) is physiotherapy led and provides early triage and management.
GPs and PT’s eligible to use the service were sent a self-completed questionnaire. Response rate was 45% for GP’s and 69% for PT. Seventy-two percent of GP’s and 88% of PT’s were satisfied with the service. The majority of GP’s had copies of agreed guidelines (81%) and most were adhering to guidance on bedrest by not prescribing it (67%). Both professions found difficulty with patient expectations, demands for x-rays and treatment compliance.
The majority of GP’s and PT’s were satisfied with a physiotherapy led back pain service. The difficulties experienced by both groups will form the basis of a training package for both professions .
The abstracts were prepared by Dr C Pither. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the British Orthopaedic Association, Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
References:
(1) Guzman J Esmail R Irvin E Bombardier C 1998 A systematic review of multidisciplinary approaches for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Third International Forum for Primary Care Research in Low Back Pain Google Scholar
