Abstract
Aims
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1.
To develop a decision aid - Decision Support Package (DSP) - that will provide low back pain (LBP) patients, and their treating physiotherapists with information on the treatment options available to the patients
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2.
To develop a training package for physiotherapists on how to use the DSP
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3.
To encourage and evaluate the informed shared decision making (ISDM) process between patients and physiotherapists during consultation.
Method
We developed a DSP informed by existing research and collaboration with physiotherapists, patients and experts in the field of decision aids and LBP. We did six pieces of exploratory work: literature review; 2009 NICE LBP guidelines review; qualitative screening of transcripts of interviews of LBP patients; focus groups (patients); nominal group (physiotherapists), and Delphi study (experts). We collated these data to develop the DSP. We also developed a training package for physiotherapists.
Results
We developed a LBP patient resource for use prior to their first consultation and a training package for physiotherapists. The DSP contained information on acupuncture, structured group exercise, manual therapy and cognitive behavioural approach. LBP patients would expect these treatment options to be offered to them at their initial consultation. The training package for physiotherapists was on DSP use and communication skills during consultation.
Conclusion
We have developed an evidence and theory informed Decision Support Package and physiotherapists training. We are currently piloting its use in one NHS Trust prior to running a pilot RCT (N=150) to test is effect on improving patient satisfaction with LBP patients' treatment choices.
Conflicts of Interest
None
Source of Funding
National Institute for Health Research- Research for Patient Benefit (NIHR-RfPB)
This abstract has not been previously published in whole or substantial part nor has it been presented previously at a national meeting.
