Needs Assessment for Practice Change in Chronic Lower Back Pain Management

Abstract

Problem: Treatment of chronic lower back pain is challenging and results in a significant economic burden of direct and indirect costs. Health care delivery that is aimed to treat acute diseases does not always address the needs of individuals experiencing chronic conditions. Aims/Objectives: Assess the current management of chronic lower back pain by utilizing quality improvement surveys and provide improvement recommendations based on the results of the surveys. Design: Project design and methods were guided by the use of the Chronic Care Model (CCM). Participants: A convenience sample of 50 chronic lower back pain patients and one pain management physician. Setting: A private practice pain management clinic with two locations on the island of O’ahu in Hawai’i. Data Collection: Paper and pen surveys were used for descriptive and quantitative analysis of likert-scale and demographic survey answers. Surveys used for data collected included the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) and the Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (ACIC). Results: The PACIC results indicated a need for improvement in follow-up/coordination of care. The ACIC results indicated a need for improvement in decision support for clinicians. Recommendations: Improving communication between interdisciplinary team members and providers associated with chronic lower back pain management would improve both the follow-up/coordination of care and decision support for clinicians.