The role of information search in seeking alternative treatment for back pain: a qualitative analysis

"I need personal experiences or some sort of documentation": a qualitative study on where people with multiple sclerosis seek information on dietary and herbal supplements

Background

The use of dietary and herbal supplements (DIHES) is widespread among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). PwMS are a highly informed patient group, and they use several types of sources to seek information on subjects related to their disease. However, it is still unknown where PwMS seek information about DIHES. It is important that PwMS make decisions about DIHES based on accurate, useful and accessible information. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore where PwMS seek information on DIHES and how they experience and engage with this information.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen PwMS using DIHES. Participants were selected from a cross-sectional survey. Diversity sampling was used, based on relevant characteristics such as gender and number of DIHES used during the past 12 months. The interviews were conducted face-to-face or over the telephone and lasted between 30 min and 1 hour. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic network analysis in NVivo 12 Pro software.

Results

Three main themes emerged in the analysis: i) engaging with healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding DIHES, ii) social networks as a source of information regarding DIHES, and iii) reliance on bodily sensations. Most participants navigated all three types of sources. All participants had at some point discussed DIHES with an HCP. Information from HCPs was considered reliable and valuable, but HCPs were viewed as uncommitted to the dialogue about DIHES. Recommendations from others were often the driver of decisions regarding use of DIHES. However, the information from PwMS’ networks could be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. Finally, PwMS relied on their own experiences regarding DIHES and let their bodily sensations guide their use of DIHES.

Conclusions

Participants often rely on all three types of information sources to create a nuanced and comprehensive information base. However, PwMS may feel overwhelmed or confused with all the information they have gathered. These findings indicate the need for better guidance for PwMS concerning DIHES and an openness among HCPs to engage in dialogue.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03377-0.

Using a behavioral model to identify factors associated with choice of provider for neck and low back pain: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear as to what factors influence a patient's choice to seek care from a specific healthcare provider for low back and neck pain.

OBJECTIVE

Utilize Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Service Utilization as a conceptual framework to identify the predisposing, enabling and need factors associated with choice of healthcare provider for back and/or neck pain.

METHODS

PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies that included 1) patients seeking care for acute or chronic low back or neck pain; 2) patients at least 18 years of age; 3) reported any healthcare provider type chosen to be seen. Significant factors addressing a patient's choice of provider seen for back pain, neck pain, or both were extracted from studies and analyzed under the Behavioral Model of Health Service Utilization.

RESULTS

20 studies were included in this review: 17 quantitative studies and 3 qualitative studies. Provider types identified were medical physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists and CAM providers. Age and sex were the most commonly reported predisposing factors; financial and personal factors were the most common enabling factors; patients' duration of pain and self-reported level of functioning were the most commonly reported need factors.

CONCLUSIONS

While predisposing and need factors are important, enabling factors also have an influence in choice of healthcare provider for back and/or neck pain.