The perceptions of people with low back pain treated in the Spanish National Health, and their experience while undergoing a new evidence-based treatment. A focus group study. (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cano, Alejandra; Gestoso, Mario; Kovacs, Francisco; Hale, Claire; Mufraggi, Nicole; Abraira, Víctor
• Is Part Of: Disability and rehabilitation. Volume 36:Number 20(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 1713
• Page End: 1722
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: People with disabilities -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2013.869625
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8288

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Purpose</italic>: To explore the perceptions of people with low back pain (LBP) treated within the Spanish National Health Service, and their experience while undergoing a new evidence-based treatment ("neuroreflexotherapy"). <italic>Methods</italic>: A focus group (FG) study was conducted. Participants were divided into five groups according to whether they: suffered from subacute versus chronic LBP; had undergone one versus several neuroreflexotherapy procedures; showed a clinically relevant improvement in pain and disability according to validated measuring instruments, and reported it. Thirty-two patients were selected by purposive sampling. Content analysis was undertaken by two researchers who had no contact with the clinicians. <italic>Results</italic>: Subacute and chronic LBP curtails daily activities, reduces quality of life (QoL) and self-esteem, and is experienced as a stigma. Patients want to be treated with respect and empathy by clinicians who refrain from judging them. New treatments trigger hope, but also fear and mistrust. Most patients experiencing a clinically relevant improvement resume daily activities, and report improvement in QoL, self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. <italic>Conclusion</italic>: Southern European LBP patients have similar perceptions to those in other cultural settings. LBP jeopardizes patients' QoL and self-esteem. When pain improves significantly, patients are happy to acknowledge it and resume their normal life.<list list-type="bullet"><title>Implications for Rehabilitation</title><list-item><p>People with low back pain (LBP) want to be treated with respect and empathy by clinicians who inspire confidence and refrain from judging them.</p></list-item><list-item><p>When faced with a new evidence based treatment, people with subacute and chronic LBP are hopeful, but apprehensive.</p></list-item><list-item><p>Most of those who experience a clinically meaningful improvement after treatment are happy to acknowledge it and resume an active and fulfilling life.</p></list-item><list-item><p>People who report no improvements after being treated, should be believed.</p></list-item></list></p> </abstract>