LOW-BACK-PAIN ASSESSMENT TRAINING OF INDUSTRY-BASED PHYSICIANS

We have developed an educational program to train industry-based physi cians in a new low back pain assessment procedure based on the recomme ndation of The Clinical Practice Guidelines on Acute Low Back Pain Pro blems in Adults published by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Res earch, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The clinical clas sification system based on the findings from the Quebec Task Force was used to categorize the subjects. The educational program included gro up and individual sessions with an extensive period of active follow-u p. Protocol compliance was measured through a computer-based surveilla nce system that monitored evaluation form completion. The results show ed significant change (p < 0.001) in physician compliance in completin g a standardized examination following an administrative mandate to ch ange. Little change in clinical practice was recorded with an educatio nal training program only. Further research into the factors responsib le for the results is suggested.