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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 34(2)

Improving the coordination of care for low back pain patients by creating better links between acute and community services

Petra K. Staiger A C , Anna Serlachius A , Susie Macfarlane A , Sharron Anderson B , Thomas Chan B and Greg Young B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia.

B Southern Health Care Network, VIC, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: petra.staiger@deakin.edu.au

Australian Health Review 34(2) 139-143 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH08634
Submitted: 9 March 2008  Accepted: 19 November 2009   Published: 25 May 2010

Abstract

This paper reports on the development of a care-pathway to improve service linkages between the acute setting and community health services in the treatment of low back pain. The pathway was informed by two processes: (1) a literature review based on best-practice guidelines in the assessment, treatment and continuity of care for low back pain patients; and (2) consultation with staff and key stakeholders. Stakeholders from both the acute and community sectors comprised the Working Group, who identified central areas of concern to be addressed in the care-pathway, with the goal of preventing chronicity of low back pain and reducing emergency department presentations. The main outcomes achieved include: the development of a new care-coordinator role, which would support a greater focus on integration between acute and community sectors for low back pain patients; identifying the need to screen at-risk patients; implementation of the SCTT (Service Coordination Tool Templates) tool as a system of referral across the acute and community settings; and agreement on the need to develop an evidence-based self-management program to be offered to low back pain patients. The benefits and challenges of implementing this care pathway are discussed.


Acknowledgements

We thank the Working Group participants: Carol Fountain, Jill Walsh, Carol Stephens, Julie Sutherland, Christine Crosby, Marie Gault, Jo House, Jane Cartlin, Erin Lee, Geraldine Millard, Louise Godbehere, and Cornelius Hickey. Funding support was provided by The Community Health-Early Intervention fund, Victorian Department of Human Services.


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