Redesigning care for back pain in an Australian hospital setting: A service evaluation to identify need for change.

Objective: This needs assessment study examined current processes of physiotherapy care for adults with back pain in a large teaching hospital serving a multicultural community in Sydney, Australia. Evaluation of current practices is a necessary first step in the design of a patient-centred, multidisciplinary service that promotes best practice in back pain management.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective service evaluation in the physiotherapy outpatient department by reviewing clinical data on episode of care and processes of care for adults managed for back pain over a 6-month period using a defined protocol (n = 252).

Needs assessment for health service design for people with back pain in a hospital setting: A qualitative study.

Background: There is a need for effective health service solutions to provide greater structure and support for implementing evidence-based practice in back pain care. Patient involvement in developing these solutions is crucial to increase relevance, acceptability and uptake.

Objectives: To determine patients' perceived needs and barriers to best-practice back pain care, and potential solutions to better address care needs.