Open AccessComparison of attitudes and beliefs of physical therapists and primary care physicians regarding low back pain management: A cross-sectional study
Author(s) -
Ahmed Alhowimel,
Faris Alodaibi,
Mazyad Alotaibi,
Dalyah Alamam,
Julie M. Fritz
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.508
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1878-6324
pISSN - 1053-8127
DOI - 10.3233/bmr-200295
Subject(s) - biopsychosocial model , medicine , primary care , family medicine , cross sectional study , low back pain , physical therapy , theory of planned behavior , alternative medicine , nursing , psychiatry , control (management) , management , pathology , economics
BACKGROUND: The first-line contact for patients seeking care for low back pain (LBP) can potentially change the disease course. The beliefs and attitudes of healthcare providers (HCPs) can influence LBP management. Although referring patients with LBP to physical therapy is common, the first-line contact for patients with LBP in Saudi Arabia is the primary care physician (PCP). Physical therapy will soon be integrated into primary care; therefore, it is rational to compare physical therapists’ (PTs) beliefs and attitudes regarding LBP with those of PCPs. OBJECTIVE: We compared PCPs’ and PTs’ attitudes and beliefs regarding LBP management. METHODS: We employed a cross-sectional, voluntary response sample research design using the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (PABS). Participants were PTs and PCPs practicing in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: In total, 153 participants completed the PABS (111 PTs and 52 PCPs). PCPs demonstrated significantly higher PABS biomedical subscale scores than did the PTs. CONCLUSIONS: HCPs in Saudi Arabia should receive additional training to adopt a biopsychosocial approach to managing LBP. In this study, the HCPs’ treatment recommendations may not correspond with contemporary clinical guidelines. Research to facilitate the implementation of optimal professional education and training to adopt a biopsychosocial approach is an urgent priority.