THE ULSTER BACK TOGETHER PROJECT: PART 1 – USER INVOLVEMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EVIDENCE-BASED LOW BACK PAIN ASSESSMENT TOOL
SD Liddle$, M Sinclair*, P NichollΩ, HA Brown$, JG WallaceΩ School of Health Sciences$ School of Nursing* School of Computing and MathematicsΩ
Presenting author: Dr S Dianne Liddle, Room 1F114, Centre for Rehabilitation Research University of Ulster, Shore Road, Co. Antrim,BT37 0QB Northern Ireland
BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is recognised as being a multidimensional condition, resulting in a variety of treatment approaches. To compare the effectiveness of such treatments, and make recommendations for future practice, a consistent approach to LBP outcome assessment is imperative (1), a feature currently lacking (2, 3). OBJECTIVE: To involve users in developing an evidence-based electronic LBP data repository capable of efficiently capturing and collating standardised treatment outcomes. METHOD: The ‘BACK Together’ Project is a secure website with a data collection interface for patient self-assessment, and a practitioner interface. The site incorporates the latest evidence on LBP triage, classification and outcome assessment: it is capable of systematically capturing information about how LBP affects the individual using valid and reliable instruments such as health-related quality of life, back-specific function, work disability, fear-avoidance and pain. A feedback loop provides patients and clinicians with current best practice for the management of LBP, and includes an individual summary of weekly activity levels. To pilot test the user acceptability of the interface and the efficiency of data collation and presentation, a sample of volunteers (n=25) logged in to, and freely navigated the site. RESULS: The user-acceptability of both interfaces was largely supported by the sample, with recommendations given for further improvements. User feedback and recommendations for improvement are presented. DISCUSSION: Further pilot testing of the tool within the clinical environment will determine its potential for creating and utilising an evidence base to inform the clinical assessment and management of individuals experiencing LBP.
Support
Higher Education Innovation Fund – Dept for Employment and Learning
References
1. Resnik L, Dobrzykowski E. Guide to outcomes measurement for patients with low back pain syndromes. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy 2003 33: 307–316. 2. Liddle SD, Gracey JH, Baxter GD. Advice for the management of low back pain: A systematic review of Randomised Controlled Trials. Manual Therapy 2007; 12: 310–327. 3. Liddle SD, Baxter GD, Gracey JH. Physiotherapists’ use of advice and exercise for the management of chronic low back pain: a national survey. Manual Therapy 2009; 14: 189–196.