Musculoskeletal physiotherapists' discharge practices for people treated with low back pain: A United Kingdom survey

BackgroundPersistent low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability, and a major burden on the healthcare system globally. Many people with LBP experience recurrent pain flares and receive repeated appointments and re-referrals to services such as physiotherapy. However, it is not clear what the criteria are for discharging people with LBP from physiotherapy services. This study aims to describe the current practices for discharging people from physiotherapy for LBP in the United Kingdom (UK).MethodsA cross-sectional study using an anonymous online national (UK) survey was conducted among qualified physiotherapists who treat people with LBP in UK musculoskeletal out-patient services.ResultsA total of 104 surveys were completed. The majority of respondents reported using (i) a shared decision-making (77%) and (ii) person-physiotherapist goal attainment (74%) approach to discharging people with LBP. Sixty-three percent of respondents reported using a patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) approach. Only 8% of respondents reported using a graded discharge approach with 'booster' appointments. A PIFU or graded discharge approach was considered most pertinent for people at higher risk of a pain flare (97%; 86%) and with low self-efficacy to self-manage their LBP.ConclusionsThis UK survey established that discharge practices for people with LBP after physiotherapy vary. Whilst the majority of people are currently discharged with a PIFU appointment, a graded discharge approach may be more beneficial for people who are less likely to initiate a PIFU appointment. Further consideration on the development of such a pathway is now required.

Automated summary

This study investigated the current practices for discharging people with low back pain (LBP) from physiotherapy services in the UK. Majority of physiotherapists used a shared decision-making and person-physiotherapist goal attainment approach to discharge patients with LBP. Some suggested that using a patient-initiated follow-up or graded discharge approach may be more suitable for patients at higher risk of pain flare or with low self-efficacy.