Testing a New Multilevel Approach to Manage Low Back Pain in Primary Care Involving General Practitioners, Physiotherapists, and Occupational Therapists Evaluating Patient Outcomes and Care Pathway Improvements

What this Trial Is About

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide and a common reason for primary care visits. This research aims to improve how low back pain is managed in primary care by testing a multilevel intervention developed with general practitioners, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. The study evaluates the effectiveness of this new care approach compared to usual care, focusing on cost-effectiveness, imaging rates, and patient disability over time. The intervention includes training general practitioners, sending reminders, providing patient education, and using a clinical pathway based on risk of chronicity. Patients may receive education and self-management support, individual physiotherapy sessions after a specialized two-day workshop, and multidisciplinary group management if needed. Care pathways involve screening, follow-up questionnaires assessing risk and work ability, and tailored treatment steps over several weeks, with coordination among healthcare providers encouraged. Participants will be monitored for 12 months through questionnaires at multiple time points and administrative data. Outcomes measured include back-related disability, imaging referrals, opioid and sick leave prescriptions, pain intensity, quality of life, work participation, and beliefs about back pain. Healthcare professionals confidence and beliefs will also be assessed. Implementation outcomes such as acceptability and feasibility will be explored via interviews and focus groups with patients and practitioners to understand integration into routine care.

A Multilevel Intervention for Low Back Pain Management in Primary Care