User perspectives on systematic data collection regarding back pain managed in general practice – a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Back pain is a main driver of disability and the most prevalent reason why people in Demark visit a general practitioner (GP). However, little is known about back pain management in primary care. For new strategies to be sustainable and to accommodate the recommendations for evidence-based practice, patients’ perspectives are paramount to complement clinical expertise and research evidence. This study aimed to identify recommendations for systematic data collection in a nationwide cohort regarding the management of back pain in general practice from the perspectives of GPs and patients. Method We applied an adapted exploratory sequential design using focus groups and individual interviews. Seven GPs and ten patients with back pain participated, and four focus groups and seventeen individual interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using abductive reasoning. Results Both GPs and patients with back pain found that 1) recruitment to a cohort should take place through the GPs, 2) the heterogeneity of patients with back pain and their need for individualized treatment and care should be considered, and 3) data from the cohort should feed into a flowchart or guideline to illustrate a generic patient pathway and visually assist both the patient and GP to obtain an overview and, thus, structure the patient pathway. Conclusion GPs and patients with back pain both considered the nationwide cohort with the overall aim to investigate back pain management as being extremely relevant in relation to improve t the patient pathway. User perspectives should be explored and integrated into health care interventions.

Usual care for low back pain and barriers to best practice: A cross‐sectional study in Danish general practice

“…A feasibility study of logistics, including clinician and patient involvement, was conducted prior to the initiation of the main study. Focus group interviews and individual interviews with GPs and patients with LBP from local patient associations were conducted as part of the feasibility study to ensure the relevance of the study to both patients and GPs (Morgan et al., 2022).…”

“…Focus group interviews and individual interviews with GPs and patients with LBP from local patient associations were conducted as part of the feasibility study to ensure the relevance of the study to both patients and GPs (Morgan et al, 2022).…”