Knowledge and satisfaction of pharmacists attending an educational workshop on evidence-based management of low back pain
Christina Abdel Shaheed A , Christopher G. Maher B , Wendy Mak B , Kylie A. Williams C and Andrew J. McLachlan A DA Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Pharmacy Building A15, Faculty of Pharmacy and Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
B The George Institute for Global Health, University of Sydney, Level 13, 321 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
C Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: andrew.mclachlan@sydney.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 21(2) 126-131 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY14020
Submitted: 22 October 2013 Accepted: 22 March 2014 Published: 7 May 2014
Abstract
Pharmacists are well positioned to provide quality care to people with low back pain (LBP). Education and training can equip pharmacists with the knowledge to optimally manage LBP in primary care. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and satisfaction of pharmacists who attended a 2-h educational workshop on the evidence-based management of LBP. Case-based learning, underpinned by key adult learning principles, was one teaching method used to deliver important educational messages. Knowledge was assessed using a questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice, true/false questions and a written vignette based on a real-life clinical case scenario. Written feedback from pharmacists was used to gauge the success and limitations of the intervention. One hundred and ninety-three pharmacists completed the in-house assessment. Pharmacists demonstrated an accurate understanding of evidence-based pharmacological management of LBP, with all identifying paracetamol as the first-line drug choice for non-specific LBP. Ninety-nine per cent of pharmacists identified the symptoms presented in the vignette as a syndrome representing a significant clinical red flag requiring urgent referral. This educational intervention has delivered key messages on LBP management to pharmacists. There is a continued need for educational interventions addressing common conditions.
Additional keywords: adult learning principles, continuing professional development, evidence-based management, low back pain, quality use of medicines, screening.
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