Walking with the low back pain patient

Walking with the low back pain patient: understanding the patient journey

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a major global health issue, affecting 619 million people in 2020—a significant rise from 1990, with numbers expected to increase by another 36% by 2050. LBP is also the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting people's ability to work and enjoy daily life. 

Despite clear medical guidelines, there are major differences in the care that people with LBP receive. The 4th Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation highlights overuse of surgeries, with more than 14,000 lumbar spinal fusions performed between 2015 and 2018. A large review of 195,000 patients from multiple countries, including Australia, found that less than half of LBP patients received the right medications. 

Beyond medical treatments, people with low back pain often encounter difficulties accessing non-drug therapies and navigating the healthcare system. This makes it harder for patients to get the right care at the right time.

Aim

  • To explore the experiences of patients with low back pain through their journey of engaging with the healthcare system.
  • To identify key areas for improvements and opportunities for future healthcare optimisation from a patient’s perspective.

Research Methodology

  • To explore the experiences of patients with low back pain through their journey of engaging with the healthcare system.
  • To identify key areas for improvements and opportunities for future healthcare optimisation from a patient’s perspective.

Leads