Abstract
Research literature suggests sub classification of LBP may improve clinical outcome. Audit aim is to evaluate the outcome of treatment pathways according to sub classification.
Patients had standardised assessment and completed Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) following assessment and on discharge.
Patients were subgrouped into; non specific LBP, radicular pain, LBP with high psychosocial indicators. Patients were allocated to 3 treatment pathways; individual treatment, functional Back class, back care programme.
200 adult patients referred to physiotherapy for low back pain. Exclusion criteria; red flag presentation, patient requiring advice only (n=38).
Pre treatment and post treatment HAD, ODI
Of 162 patients Individual treatment, 87 (40%)Functional Back Class, 41 (19%)
Back Care Programme, 34 (16%).
Each pathway demonstrated a clinically significant change in outcome measures. Patient's achieved an average change of between 11 – 17% dependant on pathway.
This suggests that the sub classification criteria used allowed the correct pathway choice for patients conditions.
