HEalth literacy in Low back Pain – the HELP media intervention study
Background
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting approximately 80% of people over their lifetime, with estimates projecting an increase in prevalence in coming years. In addition, LBP places substantial economic strain on individuals and healthcare systems, with an estimated annual cost of AUD $4.8 billion annually to the healthcare system alone. While visits to a general practitioner (GP) contribute to these costs, many patients receive care that is not evidence-based, such as opioids and routine imaging.
Waiting rooms present an opportunity to deliver health education-based multimedia interventions to improve the uptake of evidence-based care. Multimedia interventions delivered in GP waiting rooms have improved lifestyle habits, healthcare utilisation, and patients understanding of their condition in people with asthma, at risk of sexually transmitted diseases, and depression. Clinician-targeted, multifaceted interventions for LBP in emergency departments (EDs) have reduced opioid use by 43%, and improved clinician beliefs and knowledge regarding LBP care. However, whether media led interventions when delivered in GP clinics is effective in improving patients’ beliefs and attitudes about LBP, and GP referral behaviours are unknown.
Aim
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a media-led intervention delivered in general practice waiting rooms in changing patient beliefs and attitudes toward low back pain management. Additionally, it seeks to assess the impact of the intervention on medication prescriptions and referrals.
Research Methodology
The HELP trial is a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial involving 32 large GP clinics in Sydney, Australia. Two educational videos containing evidence-based information will be broadcasted in GP clinic waiting rooms. Patients’ beliefs and attitudes toward low back pain will be evaluated using two validated questionnaires. Prescription and referral patterns for low back pain will be compared between groups using aggregated data from participating clinics.
Current Status
Ongoing. Expected completion date: mid-2025.
