The clinical and cost-effectiveness of the service delivery models for the management of acute low back pain (≤ 12 weeks) which utilise different triaging referral options within primary and secondary care.
Introduction
Various guidelines and different models for service delivery have been implemented to effectively manage acute low back pain (Prodigy, 2005; van Tulder et al., 2005). These service delivery models evaluate time efficient approaches for helping patients with back pain control symptoms, while remaining active and avoiding loss of productivity on the job. There may be substantial savings available to the NHS by caring for patients in a framework which minimises unnecessary consultations and investigations, and reduces the waiting time for a treatment intervention. In addition there may be improved outcome gains for patients through early management, reduction in days lost at work and increased quality of life.
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS) is undertaking a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to critically appraise the existing literature on the clinical and cost effectiveness of the service delivery models for the management of acute low back pain which utilise different triaging referral options within primary and secondary care.
The scpoe of the assessment has been informed by a consultation that closed on 22 February 2006.
Scope of the HTA
The population to be assessed in this HTA will be all patients presenting to primary care or Accident and Emergency (A&E), as their first point of contact within NHSScotland, with acute low back pain (<= 12 weeks), over the age of 16 years. Patients may exhibit signs of serious spinal pathology (eg cauda equine syndrome), nerve root pain, simple low back pain and red and yellow flags indicators (Prodigy, 2005).
Consultation Report
Expected Date of Publication
Final report: May 2008