ABSTRACT: Study Design. Survey reportObjective. To reassess an existing list of research priorities in primary care low back pain (LBP) and to develop a new research agenda.Summary of Background: Primary care low back pain (LBP) researchers developed an agenda of research priorities in 1997, at an international conference. In 2009, a survey was conducted to re-evaluate the 1997 research priorities, and to develop a new research agenda.Methods. Two-phase, internet-based survey of participants in one of the LBP Primary Care Research Fora. The first phase collected information on importance, feasibility and progress for the 1997 priorities; during this phase the respondents were also asked to list the five most important current primary care - relevant LBP research questions. The second phase ranked these current research priorities.Results: 179 persons responded to the first phase, representing 30% of those surveyed. Rankings of the 1997 priorities were somewhat similar compared to 2009, although research on beliefs and expectations and improving the quality of LBP research became more important, and research on guidelines and psychosocial interventions became less important. Organizing more effective primary care for LBP, implementing best practices, and translating research to practice were ranked higher compared to 1997. Most priorities were also ranked as relatively feasible. The new agenda was similar, and included subgroup-based treatment, and studies on causes and mechanisms of LBP as new top priorities.Conclusions: Changes in research priorities appear to reflect recent advances, new opportunities, as well as limitations in our ability to improve care.
AD - The George Institute for Global Health Masters in Physical Therapist, Universidade Cidade Sao Paulo, Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Center for Disability Research, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton MA, Department of Family Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, The George Institute for Global Health, University of Sydney, Australia, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Caphri, Maastricht University, The Netherlands, Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Hoensbroek, The Netherlands. AN - 22781003 BT - Spine (Phila Pa 1976) DP - NLM ET - 2012/07/12 LA - Eng N1 - Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2012 Jul 7. N2 -ABSTRACT: Study Design. Survey reportObjective. To reassess an existing list of research priorities in primary care low back pain (LBP) and to develop a new research agenda.Summary of Background: Primary care low back pain (LBP) researchers developed an agenda of research priorities in 1997, at an international conference. In 2009, a survey was conducted to re-evaluate the 1997 research priorities, and to develop a new research agenda.Methods. Two-phase, internet-based survey of participants in one of the LBP Primary Care Research Fora. The first phase collected information on importance, feasibility and progress for the 1997 priorities; during this phase the respondents were also asked to list the five most important current primary care - relevant LBP research questions. The second phase ranked these current research priorities.Results: 179 persons responded to the first phase, representing 30% of those surveyed. Rankings of the 1997 priorities were somewhat similar compared to 2009, although research on beliefs and expectations and improving the quality of LBP research became more important, and research on guidelines and psychosocial interventions became less important. Organizing more effective primary care for LBP, implementing best practices, and translating research to practice were ranked higher compared to 1997. Most priorities were also ranked as relatively feasible. The new agenda was similar, and included subgroup-based treatment, and studies on causes and mechanisms of LBP as new top priorities.Conclusions: Changes in research priorities appear to reflect recent advances, new opportunities, as well as limitations in our ability to improve care.
PY - 2012 SN - 1528-1159 (Electronic)0362-2436 (Linking) T2 - Spine (Phila Pa 1976) TI - Primary Care Research Priorities in Low Back Pain: An Update ER -