Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
Orthopaedic Proceedings Logo

Receive monthly Table of Contents alerts from Orthopaedic Proceedings

Comprehensive article alerts can be set up and managed through your account settings

View my account settings

Visit Orthopaedic Proceedings at:

Loading...

Loading...

Full Access

A SURVEY OF GP’S AND PHYSIOTHERAPISTS (PT) VIEWS ON A PHYSIOTHERAPY LED BACK PAIN SERVICE



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