Fear-avoidance beliefs about back pain in patients with subacute low back pain.

The fear-avoidance beliefs of patients with subacute low back pain (LBP) considered at risk for chronic disabling LBP are not well known. The objectives of this cross-sectional descriptive survey, conducted in secondary care practice, were to assess fear-avoidance beliefs about back pain in patients with subacute LBP and to seek an association between physician or patient characteristics and level of fear-avoidance beliefs. A total of 286 rheumatologists completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing physicians' demographic, professional data, personal history of back pain, and back pain fear-avoidance beliefs (on the Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire [FABQ]) and 443 patients with sLBP completed one on pain, perceived handicap and disability (Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety Depression questionnaire), and back pain beliefs (FABQ).

Effects of training on general practitioners' management of pain in osteoarthritis: a randomized multicenter study.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a short interactive training program for general practitioners (GP) on pain management in patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: A multicenter, parallel-group study. GP were randomized to receive training on relationships and communication, pain evaluation, prescription, and negotiation of a patient contract or to a control group receiving a presentation about obtaining consent in trials.

Outcome of subacute low back pain: influence of patients' and rheumatologists' characteristics.

Objectives: To assess the outcome of subacute low back pain, to identify the characteristics of patients and physicians which were related to outcome and to evaluate the influence of rheumatologists' beliefs about back pain on their following the guidelines for physical and occupational activity.

Design: a longitudinal descriptive survey.

Setting: a secondary care practice in France.

[Data recording using a personal digital assistant. Experience of prospective survey on pain in 3196 patients].

Objective: To assess the interest of a personal digital assistant (PDA) when used as data collector in a prospective survey on pain in general practice.

Methods: Prospective, multicentre and national survey concerning the identification of 4g/24h paracetamol prescription conditions as well as the characterization of the pain justifying it. Data were collected with a dedicated PDA including an electronic visual analogue scale (VAS).

Acetaminophen as symptomatic treatment of pain from osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a major public health burden. The incidence of osteoarthritis increases with advancing age. Symptomatic treatments aimed at alleviating the pain and thereby restoring joint function form the basis of the treatment.