A statement of the purposes of the study and background. The biopsychosocial (BPS) model is recommended for managing non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) but the best method for teaching the BPS model is unclear. E-learning is a promising alternative to face-to-face methods. This study was a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) with embedded interview study to investigate the feasibility of conducting a main RCT and to explore the impact of an BPS for NSLBP e-learning programme on experienced practitioners' attitudes to back pain. A summary of the methods used and the results. Mixed methods evaluated the impact of an evidence-based e-learning programme on participants' attitudes to back pain. A pilot RCT assessed 45 experienced osteopaths' attitudes before and after the intervention, using the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (PABS) and the Attitudes to Back Pain Scale (ABS). The qualitative study explored 9 participants' views on the e-learning programme and possible impact on their clinical practice. 91% of participants completed the course and the overall satisfaction was very high. Participants' views on the BPS model ranged between not being structural enough, already done and transformative. The e-learning programme was well accepted. It would be feasible to run a main study using the same recruitment procedures, eligibility criteria, randomisation procedure, consent process, data collection and outcome measures. Conclusion. E-learning is an appropriate tool to deliver CPD to experienced manual therapists. Although a pilot study, the results suggest a shift in practitioners' attitudes towards a more BPS view of back pain. A main trial should be undertaken to test the effectiveness of the intervention. No conflicts of interest. Funding acknowledgements: This research is part of Jerry Draper-Rodi's Professional Doctorate in Osteopathy, partly funded by the British School of Osteopathy

Purpose and background. Lower back pain is a leading cause of disability and a common condition seen by osteopaths. Evidence and advice for the safest lifting posture vary, as do healthcare practitioners' attitudes towards back pain. The aim of this study was to understand osteopaths' beliefs about safe lifting postures, their attitudes towards back pain, and to compare these findings with published data from physiotherapists and manual handling advisors. Methods and results. A cross-sectional electronic survey was used to invite a sample of UK osteopaths to select images that best represent their perception of safe lifting posture (straight or rounded back), and to complete the Back Pain Attitudes Questionnaire (Back-PAQ, Appendix 1). Data was analysed to assess lifting posture selection and relationship to back pain attitudes. 46 (85.2%) out of 54 osteopaths selected straight back posture as safest, these participants had significantly more negative attitudes to back pain injury (i.e. higher Back-PAQ scores), than the 8 osteopaths who selected a rounded back posture (p = 0.007). Data from 266 physiotherapists and 132 manual handling advisors revealed an overall agreement about straight back lifting posture, however revealed differences in Back-PAQ attitude between the professions. Conclusion. Despite a lack of evidence base and inconsistent recommendations, osteopaths in this survey and other healthcare practitioners believe that straight back lifting posture is the safest. Practitioners' attitudes vary and are known to influence their patients' attitudes and recovery behaviour. Further research is recommended to identify reasons for different beliefs, and their impact on advice-giving and patient outcomes. Conflicts of interest: None. Sources of funding for the research: None

Purpose of the study and background. Healthcare practitioners' (HCPs) attitudes and beliefs about MSK pain influence their practice behaviour. The Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (PABS), developed for use in the context of LBP, consists of two subscales (biomedical and biopsychosocial) is the most widely used measure. However, poor performance of the biopsychosocial orientation scale is attributed, in part, to inadequate conceptualisation of the orientation. Purpose. To develop a new biopsychosocial scale and adapt the PABS to assess HCPs' attitudes and beliefs about common MSK pain. Methods and results. A grounded conceptualisation process was conducted with 40 MSK HCPs and/or researchers using concept mapping methodology. The resultant conceptual framework consisted of six primary domains of biopsychosocial clinical orientation (bio-clinical, therapeutic relationship, individual patient aspects, emotions, social and work) and informed development of new scale items. These items were included with existing PABS items in a national survey of UK-based HCPs, and analysis was conducted on 587 responses. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified and confirmed a new 10-item biopsychosocial scale (Cronbach's alpha of 0.83). The new biopsychosocial and existing biomedical scales demonstrated good test-retest reliability (ICC(2,1) 0.77 and 0.74 respectively). Standard error of measurement and smallest detectable change were also established. Conclusion. The new generic MSK version of the PABS biopsychosocial scale shows promising structural validity and test-retest reliability. The existing PABS biomedical scale's structure and performance was upheld. The new conceptual framework provides a contemporary, comprehensive understanding of the biopsychosocial clinical approach to common MSK pain, with potential value for the development, delivery and evaluation of biopsychosocial clinical practice. No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding:. Kirsty Duncan was the holder of an ACORN PhD studentship from Keele University. Part of the conceptualisation component of this work was also supported by a Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust International Lecture Fund Award. Annette Bishop and Nadine Foster were supported through an NIHR Research Professorship for Nadine Foster (NIHR-RP-011-015). NEF is an NIHR Senior Investigator. The views and opinions expressed therein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NIHR, NHS or the Department of Health

Purpose and background

Pain related distress is associated with poor low back pain outcomes, and is challenging for practitioners to address. This study investigated osteopaths' beliefs about the relationship between chronic pain (CP) and distress (D). The research aimed to explore how patient's distress is understood and managed by osteopath educator clinicians with an interest in the field.

Purpose of the study and background

The biopsychosocial (BPS) model is now widely implemented in clinical practice. Most research on manual therapists' attitudes regarding psychosocial (PS) factors and NSLBP is from the physiotherapy profession. There is currently no literature available to understand how osteopaths integrate those factors with patients presenting with NSLBP. The University College of Osteopathy students being the future of the profession and receiving an accredited BPS teaching warranted the need for an investigation about their attitudes towards PS factors and NSLBP.

Background

Low back pain is a common condition amongst Armed Services personnel and can have significant impact upon their ability to undertake military duties, including being deployed into austere environments.

Background

Phone based Physiotherapy is a topical area of investigation. Salisbury, (2013) states it may be as effective as usual care. It is also suggested that satisfaction is similar, but more specific attitudes have not been investigated. This study aims to retrospectively investigate the attitudes of PD vs usual care patients and to identify any differences in the attitudes of spine pain vs peripheral pain patients.