Abstract
Background
The BACK To Health programme is part of the wider North of England back pain and radicular pain pathway. The purpose of this programme is to provide a CPPP approach based on the NICE guidelines CG88 for those with back pain that has not responded to early management and simpler therapies. The purpose of this study is to present preliminary results of this programme.
Method
Referral onto the programme occurred through triage and treat practitioners or consultant clinics. A total of 44 patients were referred, with 31 attending the programme. The programme was delivered as a 3 week residential programme, with patients present 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday. A MDT provided an intense programme consisting of education, physical exercise, practical coping strategies and group discussion. The work has received ethical approval from the School of Health and Social Care Research Ethics and Governance committee at Teesside University.
Results
Significant improvements (p<0.05) were seen in the, EQ-5D-5L, GAD-7, PHQ9, pain VAS scores (respective mean improvement 0.170, 5.2, 5.5 and 1.25). Significant improvement (p<0.05) was seen in ODI scores but with a mean improvement of 7% clinical significance was not achieved. Self-management confidence by the end averaged 6/10.
Conclusion
The majority of patients showed good response to the BACK To Health Programme. After undergoing 3 weeks of education and exercise using cognitive behavioural principles early improvements were seen in GAD-7, PHQ9, Pain VAS and EQ/5D/5L. At 6 months and 1 year we will follow these patients up to continually assess progress.
No conflicts of interest
No funding obtained
