Assessment of back pain behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs of chiropractic research conference attendees after a biopsychosocial educational workshop

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the attendees of a chiropractic research conference (which included chiropractic students, clinicians, researchers, and educators) behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs toward chronic low back pain (CLBP) before and after a biopsychosocial (BPS)-based CLBP educational workshop. Methods This single-arm intervention study used the Health Care Providers’ Pain and Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) and CLBP-related clinic vignettes to assess behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs toward CLBP before and after a single, 90-minute, educational workshop. The HC-PAIRS is a self-reporting questionnaire that consists of 15-items rated on a 7-point rating scale with a higher score suggesting belief that pain is linked to movement and recommendations should be to avoid physical activities. Results The pre-education intervention HC-PAIRS and vignettes were completed by 40 participants out of 56 attendees. A total of 18 participants completed the post-education intervention HC-PAIRS and CLBP-related clinical vignettes. A majority of participants identified as full-time clinicians, Veterans Affairs employees, and musculoskeletal/neuromusculoskeletal providers. Pre-education intervention HC-PAIRS mean score was 44.8 (SD 9.22) and post-score was 39.5 (SD 6.49). Conclusions Findings suggest an immediate change in HC-PAIRS scores following a BPS focused CLBP education intervention for a chiropractic audience. However, due to limitations related to sample size and target population, findings should be interpreted cautiously.