New Tool to Evaluate Results of Treatment for Low Back Pain
Five measures are often used in studies to evaluate the results of treatment for low back pain (LBP). These include pain, function, health status, disability, and patient satisfaction. In this study researchers present the results of a new tool to measure these five outcomes.
Finding a short survey that covers all five areas has been difficult. It also has to be reliable and valid. To meet both needs a CORE SET of six questions was tested. One hundred fifty four (154) patients with chronic LBP or osteoporotic fracture were included.
Each patient completed the CORE SET before and after treatment. Some patients were treated conservatively without surgery. Others had surgery to stabilize the spine.
The authors report that the results show the CORE SET is a valid tool to use with chronic LBP patients. With new methods of treatment for LBP doctors need some way to know what works best. When time is limited, this short survey is useful.
References: Montserrat Ferrer, MD, MPH, PhD, et al. Validation of a Minimum Outcome Core Set in the Evaluation of Patients with Back Pain. In Spine. June 1, 2006. Vol. 31. No. 12. Pp. 1372-1379.
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