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Vining R, Smith J, Anderson B, Almquist Z, Wong D. Developing an initial set of quality indicators for chiropractic care: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:65. [PMID: 38216977 PMCID: PMC10785553 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10561-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality indicators are standardized, evidence-based measures of health care quality. Currently, there is no basic set of quality indicators for chiropractic care published in peer-reviewed literature. The goal of this research is to develop a preliminary set of quality indicators, measurable with administrative data. METHODS We conducted a scoping review searching PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Index to Chiropractic Literature databases. Eligible articles were published after 2011, in English, developing/reporting best practices and clinical guidelines specifically developed for, or directly applicable to, chiropractic care. Eligible non-peer-reviewed sources such as quality measures published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Royal College of Chiropractors quality standards were also included. Following a stepwise eligibility determination process, data abstraction identified specific statements from included sources that can conceivably be measured with administrative data. Once identified, statements were transformed into potential indicators by: 1) Generating a brief title and description; 2) Documenting a source; 3) Developing a metric; and 4) Assigning a Donabedian category (structure, process, outcome). Draft indicators then traversed a 5-step assessment: 1) Describes a narrowly defined structure, process, or outcome; 2) Quantitative data can conceivably be available; 3) Performance is achievable; 4) Metric is relevant; 5) Data are obtainable within reasonable time limits. Indicators meeting all criteria were included in the final set. RESULTS Literature searching revealed 2562 articles. After removing duplicates and conducting eligibility determination, 18 remained. Most were clinical guidelines (n = 10) and best practice recommendations (n = 6), with 1 consensus and 1 clinical standards development study. Data abstraction and transformation produced 204 draft quality indicators. Of those, 57 did not meet 1 or more assessment criteria. After removing duplicates, 70 distinct indicators remained. Most indicators matched the Donabedian category of process (n = 35), with 31 structure and 4 outcome indicators. No sources were identified to support indicator development from patient perspectives. CONCLUSIONS This article proposes a preliminary set of 70 quality indicators for chiropractic care, theoretically measurable with administrative data and largely obtained from electronic health records. Future research should assess feasibility, achieve stakeholder consensus, develop additional indicators including those considering patient perspectives, and study relationships with clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION Open Science Framework, https://osf.io/t7kgm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Vining
- Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady St, Davenport, IA, USA.
| | - Jennifer Smith
- Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady St, Davenport, IA, USA
| | - Brian Anderson
- Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady St, Davenport, IA, USA
| | - Zachary Almquist
- Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady St, Davenport, IA, USA
| | - Danveshka Wong
- Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady St, Davenport, IA, USA
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Rizzo RRN, Wand BM, Leake HB, O'Hagan ET, Bagg MK, Bunzli S, Traeger AC, Gustin SM, Moseley GL, Sharma S, Cashin AG, McAuley JH. "My Back is Fit for Movement": A Qualitative Study Alongside a Randomized Controlled Trial for Chronic Low Back Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:824-839. [PMID: 36577460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A new wave of treatments has emerged to target nervous system alterations and maladaptive conceptualizations about pain for chronic low back pain. The acceptability of these treatments is still uncertain. We conducted a qualitative study alongside a randomized controlled trial to identify perceptions of facilitators or barriers to participation in a non-pharmacological intervention that resulted in clinically meaningful reductions across 12 months for disability compared to a sham intervention. We conducted semi-structured interviews with participants from the trial's active arm after they completed the 12-week program. We included a purposeful sample (baseline and clinical characteristics) (n = 20). We used reflexive thematic analysis informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability for health care interventions. We identified positive and negative emotional/cognitive responses associated with treatment acceptability and potential efficacy, including emotional support, cognitive empowerment, readiness for self-management, and acceptance of face-to-face and online components designed to target the brain. These findings suggest the importance of psychoeducation and behavior change techniques to create a positive attitude towards movement and increase the perception of pain control; systematic approaches to monitor and target misconceptions about the interventions during treatment; and psychoeducation and behavior change techniques to maintain the improvements after the cessation of formal care. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the experiences of people with chronic low back pain participating in a new non-pharmacological brain-targeted treatment that includes face-to-face and self-directed approaches. The facilitators and barriers of the interventions could potentially inform adaptations and optimization of treatments designed to target the brain to treat chronic low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo R N Rizzo
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Pain IMPACT (Investigating Mechanisms of Pain to Advance Clinical Translation), Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Benedict M Wand
- School of Health Sciences and Physiotherapy, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia
| | - Hayley B Leake
- Centre for Pain IMPACT (Investigating Mechanisms of Pain to Advance Clinical Translation), Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia; IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Edel T O'Hagan
- Centre for Pain IMPACT (Investigating Mechanisms of Pain to Advance Clinical Translation), Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia; Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Westmead Applied Research Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew K Bagg
- Centre for Pain IMPACT (Investigating Mechanisms of Pain to Advance Clinical Translation), Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia; Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia. Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
| | - Samantha Bunzli
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Queensland, Australia; Physiotherapy Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adrian C Traeger
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sylvia M Gustin
- Centre for Pain IMPACT (Investigating Mechanisms of Pain to Advance Clinical Translation), Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia; NeuroRecovery Research Hub, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - G Lorimer Moseley
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Saurab Sharma
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Pain IMPACT (Investigating Mechanisms of Pain to Advance Clinical Translation), Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aidan G Cashin
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Pain IMPACT (Investigating Mechanisms of Pain to Advance Clinical Translation), Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - James H McAuley
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Pain IMPACT (Investigating Mechanisms of Pain to Advance Clinical Translation), Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
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Taylor DN, Hawk C. An investigation into chiropractic intern adherence to radiographic guidelines in clinical decisions with a descriptive comparison to clinical practitioners. THE JOURNAL OF CHIROPRACTIC EDUCATION 2023; 37:41-49. [PMID: 36693124 PMCID: PMC10013594 DOI: 10.7899/jce-21-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess chiropractic interns' knowledge and adherence to radiographic clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and compare their clinical decisions to previous surveys of established practitioners in Canada and Australia. METHODS A clinical decision-making survey was administered to 88 interns. The survey contained clinical scenarios and vignettes with inquiries regarding indications for radiographic referral, the likelihood of referral, and the application of CPGs. RESULTS Forty-four percent (43.75%) of the interns were aware of CPGs, 38.75% were unsure, and 17.5% were not aware. When asked specific questions about the appropriateness of diagnostic imaging, the interns' responses were similar to those of practitioners in Canada and Australia. When interns evaluated a clinical vignette, there was lower compliance with CPGs. CONCLUSION The interns' clinical decisions regarding the use of diagnostic radiography did not significantly differ from those of practitioners who were surveyed in other related studies. Interns were inconsistent in applying their decision making in clinical cases. Notwithstanding the similarities with practitioners, some deviation from the guidelines indicates the need for further intern education to improve the implementation of CPGs for optimal cost-effective and clinically appropriate care.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N. Taylor
- David N. Taylor is a professor in the Clinical Sciences Department at Texas Chiropractic College (5912 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505; )
| | - Cheryl Hawk
- Cheryl Hawk is a professor in the Research Department at Texas Chiropractic College (5912 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505; )
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Trager RJ, Anderson BR, Casselberry RM, Perez JA, Dusek JA. Guideline-concordant utilization of magnetic resonance imaging in adults receiving chiropractic manipulative therapy vs other care for radicular low back pain: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:554. [PMID: 35676654 PMCID: PMC9175310 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05462-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (LMRI) is often performed early in the course of care, which can be discordant with guidelines for non-serious low back pain. Our primary hypothesis was that adults receiving chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT) for incident radicular low back pain (rLBP) would have reduced odds of early LMRI over 6-weeks' follow-up compared to those receiving other care (a range of medical care, excluding CSMT). As a secondary hypothesis, CSMT recipients were also expected to have reduced odds of LMRI over 6-months' and 1-years' follow-up. METHODS A national 84-million-patient health records database including large academic healthcare organizations (TriNetX) was queried for adults age 20-70 with rLBP newly-diagnosed between January 31, 2012 and January 31, 2022. Receipt or non-receipt of CSMT determined cohort allocation. Patients with prior lumbar imaging and serious pathology within 90 days of diagnosis were excluded. Propensity score matching controlled for variables associated with LMRI utilization (e.g., demographics). Odds ratios (ORs) of LMRI over 6-weeks', 6-months', and 1-years' follow-up after rLBP diagnosis were calculated. RESULTS After matching, there were 12,353 patients per cohort (mean age 50 years, 56% female), with a small but statistically significant reduction in odds of early LMRI in the CSMT compared to other care cohort over 6-weeks' follow-up (9%, 10%, OR [95% CI] 0.88 [0.81-0.96] P = 0.0046). There was a small but statistically significant increase in odds of LMRI among patients in the CSMT relative to the other care cohort over 6-months' (12%, 11%, OR [95% CI] 1.10 [1.02-1.19], P < 0.0174) and 1-years' follow-up (14%, 12%, OR [95% CI] 1.21 [1.13-1.31], P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that patients receiving CSMT for newly-diagnosed rLBP are less likely to receive early LMRI than patients receiving other care. However, CSMT recipients have a small increase in odds of LMRI over the long-term. Both cohorts in this study had a relatively low rate of early LMRI, possibly because the data were derived from academic healthcare organizations. The relationship of these findings to other patient care outcomes and cost should be explored in a future randomized controlled trial. REGISTRATION Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/t9myp ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Trager
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| | - Brian R Anderson
- Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA, USA
| | - Regina M Casselberry
- Clinical Research Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Jaime A Perez
- Clinical Research Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Jeffery A Dusek
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
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To D, Hall A, Bussières A, French SD, Lawrence R, Pike A, Patey AM, Brake-Patten D, O'Keefe L, Elliott B, De Carvalho D. Exploring factors influencing chiropractors' adherence to radiographic guidelines for low back pain using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Chiropr Man Therap 2022; 30:23. [PMID: 35534902 PMCID: PMC9082849 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-022-00433-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The inappropriate use of lumbar spine imaging remains common in primary care despite recommendations from evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to avoid imaging in the absence of red flags. This study aimed to explore factors influencing ordering behaviours and adherence to radiographic guidelines for low back pain (LBP) in chiropractors in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada. Methods We conducted two focus groups in December 2018 with chiropractors in different regions of NL (eastern, n = 8; western, n = 4). An interview guide based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) served to identify perceived barriers to, and enablers of, target behaviours of guideline adherence and managing LBP without X-rays. We conducted thematic analysis of chiropractors’ statements into relevant theoretical domains, followed by grouping of similar statements into specific beliefs. Domains key to changing radiographic guideline adherence, LBP imaging behaviours, and/or informing intervention design were identified by noting conflicting beliefs and their reported influence on the target behaviours. Results Six of the 14 TDF domains were perceived to be important for adherence to radiographic guidelines and managing non-specific LBP without imaging. Participating chiropractors reported varying levels of knowledge and awareness of guidelines for LBP imaging (Knowledge). Many chiropractors based their decision for imaging on clinical presentation, but some relied on “gut feeling” (Memory, attention, and decision processes). While chiropractors thought it was their role to manage LBP without imaging, others believed ordering imaging was the responsibility of other healthcare providers (Social/professional role and identity). Contrasting views were found regarding the negative consequences of imaging or not imaging LBP patients (Beliefs about consequences). Communication was identified as a skill required to manage LBP without imaging (Skills) and a strategy to enable appropriate imaging ordering behaviours (Behavioural regulation). Chiropractors suggested that access to patients’ previous imaging and a system that facilitated better interprofessional communication would likely improve their LBP imaging behaviours (Behavioural regulation). Conclusion We identified potential influences, in six theoretical domains, on participating chiropractors’ LBP imaging behaviours and adherence to radiographic guidelines. These beliefs may be targets for theory-informed behaviour change interventions aimed at improving these target behaviours for chiropractors in NL. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12998-022-00433-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne To
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Amanda Hall
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - André Bussières
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Département chiropratique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Simon D French
- Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca Lawrence
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Andrea Pike
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Andrea M Patey
- Centre for Implementation Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute - General Campus, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Barbara Elliott
- Patient Engagement Partner, North Bay, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Education and Professional Studies - School of Nursing, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Diana De Carvalho
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada.
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Jenkins HJ, Kongsted A, French SD, Jensen TS, Doktor K, Hartvigsen J, Hancock M. Patients with low back pain presenting for chiropractic care who want diagnostic imaging are more likely to receive referral for imaging: a cross-sectional study. Chiropr Man Therap 2022; 30:16. [PMID: 35379281 PMCID: PMC8978373 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-022-00425-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear if the use of imaging for low back pain (LBP) is impacted by patient beliefs. This study aimed to: (1) describe beliefs about the importance of imaging and whether patients wanted imaging when presenting for chiropractic care for LBP; (2) describe associations between baseline patient characteristics and imaging beliefs and whether patients wanted imaging; and (3) determine whether patients who believed imaging to be important in the management of LBP, or who wanted to receive imaging, were more likely to receive an imaging referral. METHODS Cross-sectional observational data was collected between November 2016 to December 2019 from 10 primary care chiropractic clinics in Denmark. Consecutive patients aged 18 or older and presenting with a new episode of LBP were included (N = 2818). Beliefs about the importance of imaging (two questions) and whether imaging was wanted (one question) were collected at the initial visit, together with baseline participant characteristics and whether an imaging referral was provided. Associations between imaging beliefs/desire to receive imaging and participant characteristics were explored using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The relationships between imaging beliefs and desire to receive imaging with subsequent imaging referral were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for pre-selected confounder variables. RESULTS Approximately one third of participants believed imaging to be important for the management of LBP (29.5% (95%CI 27.8, 31.3) or 41.5% (95%CI 39.6, 43.3) depending on the two imaging beliefs questions). Approximately one quarter (26.1%, 95%CI 24.5, 27.7) of participants wanted to receive an imaging referral. Participants were more likely to believe in the importance of imaging or want an imaging referral if they had a longer duration of LBP, history of previous imaging for LBP, or a lower completed education level. Participants who wanted imaging at the initial consult were more likely to receive an imaging referral (Odds ratio; 95%CI 1.6; 1.2, 2.1). CONCLUSIONS Approximately one third of patients presenting for chiropractic care in Denmark believed imaging to be important in the management of LBP. One quarter wanted imaging at the initial consult. Patients' desire for imaging appeared to impact the use of diagnostic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel J Jenkins
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Alice Kongsted
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark
| | - Simon D French
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tue Secher Jensen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark.,Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Klaus Doktor
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jan Hartvigsen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mark Hancock
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Lopes MA. "What are the effects of diagnostic imaging on clinical outcomes in patients with low back pain presenting for chiropractic care? A matched observational study." Jenkins et al., Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 2021;29:46. Chiropr Man Therap 2022; 30:11. [PMID: 35232467 PMCID: PMC8887090 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-022-00420-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Lopes
- Gonstead Clinical Studies Society, 2107 Forest Ave, Suite 130, Chico, CA, 95928, USA.
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Jenkins HJ, Kongsted A, French SD, Jensen TS, Doktor K, Hartvigsen J, Hancock M. Reply to the letter to the editor: "What are the effects of diagnostic imaging on clinical outcomes in patients with low back pain presenting for chiropractic care? A matched observational study." Jenkins et al., Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 2021;29:46. Chiropr Man Therap 2022; 30:12. [PMID: 35232463 PMCID: PMC8887092 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-022-00421-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hazel J Jenkins
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Room 2232, Level 2, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, 2109, Australia.
| | - Alice Kongsted
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Simon D French
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tue Secher Jensen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark.,Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Klaus Doktor
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jan Hartvigsen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mark Hancock
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Appropriateness of referrals from primary care for lumbar MRI. Chiropr Man Therap 2022; 30:9. [PMID: 35193634 PMCID: PMC8862387 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-022-00418-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background International guidelines do not recommend routine imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and seek to guide clinicians only to refer for imaging based on specific indications. Despite this, several studies show an increase in the use of MRI among patients with low back pain (LBP) and an imbalance between appropriate versus inappropriate use of MRI for LBP. This study aimed to investigate to what extent referrals from general practice for lumbar MRI complied with clinical guideline recommendations in a Danish setting, contributing to the understanding and approaches to lumbar MRI for all clinicians managing LBP in the primary sector. Materials and methods From 2014 to 2018, all referrals for lumbar MRI were included from general practitioners in the Central Denmark Region for diagnostic imaging at a public regional hospital. A modified version of the American College of Radiology Imaging Appropriateness Criteria for LBP was used to classify referrals as appropriate or inappropriate, based on the unstructured text in the GPs’ referrals. Appropriate referrals included fractures, cancer, symptoms persisting for more than 6 weeks of non-surgical treatment, previous surgery, candidate for surgery or suspicion of cauda equina. Inappropriate referrals were sub-classified as lacking information about previous non-surgical treatment and duration. Results Of the 3772 retrieved referrals for MRI of the lumbar spine, 55% were selected and a total of 2051 referrals were categorised. Approximately one quarter (24.5%) were categorised as appropriate, and 75.5% were deemed inappropriate. 51% of the inappropriate referrals lacked information about previous non-surgical treatment, and 49% had no information about the duration of non-surgical treatment. Apart from minor yearly fluctuations, there was no change in the distribution of appropriate and inappropriate MRI referrals from 2014 to 2018. Conclusion The majority of lumbar MRI referrals (75.5%) from general practitioners for lumbar MRI did not fulfil the ACR Imaging Appropriateness Criteria for LBP based on the unstructured text of their referrals. There is a need for referrers to include all guideline-relevant information in referrals for imaging. More research is needed to determine whether this is due to patients not fulfilling guideline recommendations or simply the content of the referrals.
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