Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

General Practitioners Views of Implementing a Stratified Treatment Approach for Low Back Pain in Germany: A Qualitative Study

Hill, Jonathan

General Practitioners Views of Implementing a Stratified Treatment Approach for Low Back Pain in Germany: A Qualitative Study Thumbnail


Authors



Abstract

Background and Objective
The STarT Back stratified primary care approach has demonstrated clinical and cost effectiveness in the UK, and is commonly used by General Practitioners (GPs). However, it remains unknown how this approach could be implemented into the German healthcare system. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the views and perceptions of German GPs in respect to using a stratified primary care for low back pain (LBP).

Methods
A 90-minute think-tank workshop was conducted with 14 male and five female GPs, during which the STarT-Back-Screening-Tool (SBST) and related research evidence was presented. This was followed by two focus groups, based on a semi-structured interview guideline to identify potential implementation barriers and opportunities. Discussions were audiotaped, transcribed and coded using a content analysis approach.

Results
For the three deductively developed main themes, 15 subthemes emerged: (1) application of the SBST, with the following subthemes: which health profession should administer it, patients known to the GP practice, the reason for the GP consultation, scoring the tool, the tool format, and the anticipated impact on GP practice; (2) psychologically informed physiotherapy, with subthemes including: provision by a physiotherapist, anticipated impact, the skills of physiotherapists, management of patients with severe psychosocial problems, referral and remuneration; (3) the management of low-risk patients, with subthemes including: concern about the appropriate advising health professional, information and media, length of consultation, and local exercise venues.

Conclusions
The attitudes of GPs towards stratified primary care for LBP indicated positive support for pilot-testing in Germany. However, there were mixed reactions to the ability of German physiotherapists to manage high-risk patients and handle their complex clinical needs. GPs also mentioned practical difficulties in providing extended advice to low-risk patients, which nevertheless could be addressed by involvement of specifically trained medical assistants.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 27, 2015
Publication Date Aug 31, 2015
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal PLoS One
Publisher Public Library of Science
DOI https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0136119
Keywords Physiotherapy, Germany, Patients, Primary care, Finance, Lower back pain, Mental health therapies, Physicians
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0136119

Files

Jonathan Hill - General Practitioners views of implementing a stratified treatment approach for low back pain in Germany - A qualitative study.pdf (245 Kb)
PDF




You might also like



Downloadable Citations