SUMMARY OF SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICALPAPERS IN Volume 34, Number 4

Purpose of Work. This study was designed to measure physician compliance in completing a new low back pain (LBP) assessment procedure following an extensive training program . The low back assessment was based on the recommendations of the Clinical Practice Guidelines on Acute Low Back Pain Problems in Adults published by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, U .S. Department of Health and Human Services . Subjects/ Procedures . Nineteen industry-based physicians were trained in an LBP assessment method in group and individual sessions . Compliance in completing the assessment form was measured through a computer-based surveillance system over a 16 month period of time . Results. The results showed a significant change (p<0 .001) in physician compliance in completing a standardized patient examination following an administrative mandate to change. Little change in clinical practice was recorded with an educational training program only . Relevance to the Veteran Population . LBP is common in all populations, including veterans . Effective assessment and treatment of persons with LBP requires a thorough knowledge of recent advances in the field . This study suggests methods that will assist clinicans in developing strategies to provide an effective training program and thereby decrease disability. Kenneth J. Harwood, MA, PT