A Stratified Approach for Managing Patients With Low Back Pain in Primary Care (SPLIT Program): A Before-and-After Study

• DOI: 10.1370/afm.3104
• Publication Date: 2024-05-28T22:25:15Z
• Authors: Luís Antunes Gomes; Rita Fernandes; Carmen Caeiro; Ana Rita Henriques; Rute Dinis de Sousa; Jaime C. Branco; Fernando Pimentel...; Rubina Moniz; Lilia Vicente; Helena Canhão; Ana Maria Rodrigues; Eduardo Brazete Cruz
• Keywords: Male; Adult; Primary Health Care; Portugal; Middle Aged; Disability Evaluation; Controlled Before-After Studies; Quality of Life; Humans; Female; Prospective Studies; Low Back Pain; Physical Therapy Modalities; Pain Measurement; Aged

<h3>PURPOSE</h3> To determine the effects of stratified primary care for low back pain (SPLIT program) in decreasing back-related disability patients with (LBP) care. <h3>METHODS</h3> We conducted a before-and-after study. compared health-related outcomes 2 sequential, independent cohorts LBP recruited at 7 units Portugal. The first prospective cohort study characterized usual (UC) and collected data from February to September 2018. second was performed when SPLIT program implemented November 2018 October 2021. Between cohorts, physical therapists were trained implementation program, which used STarT Back Screening Tool categorize matched treatment. (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, 0-24 points), (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, 0-10 perceived effect treatment (Global Perceived Effect −5 +5 quality life (EuroQoL 5 dimensions 3 levels index, 0-1 points). <h3>RESULTS</h3> enrolled total 447 patients: 115 UC (mostly treated pharmacologic treatment) 332 (all referred therapy intervention program). Over period 6 months, showed significantly greater improvements (ß, −2.94; 95% CI, −3.63 −2.24; <i>P</i> ≤ .001), −0.88; −1.18 −0.57; 1.40; 0.97 1.82; 0.11; 0.08 0.14; .001) UC. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Patients benefits regarding than those receiving