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Implementation Science
Published in: Implementation Science 1/2006

Open Access 01-12-2006 | Research article

Explaining variation in GP referral rates for x-rays for back pain

Authors: Rachel Baker, Jan Lecouturier, Senga Bond

Published in: Implementation Science | Issue 1/2006

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Abstract

Background

Despite the availability of clinical guidelines for the management of low back pain (LBP), there continues to be wide variation in general practitioners' (GPs') referral rates for lumbar spine x-ray (LSX). This study aims to explain variation in GPs' referral rates for LSX from their accounts of the management of patients with low back pain.

Methods

Qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 29 GPs with high and low referral rates for LSX in North East England. Thematic analysis used constant comparative techniques.

Results

Common and divergent themes were identified among high- and low-users of LSX. Themes that were similar in both groups included an awareness of current guidelines for the use of LSX for patients with LBP and the pressure from patients and institutional factors to order a LSX. Differentiating themes for the high-user group included: a belief that LSX provides reassurance to patients that can outweigh risks, pessimism about the management options for LBP, and a belief that denying LSX would adversely affect doctor-patient relationships. Two specific differentiating themes are considered in more depth: GPs' awareness of their use of lumbar spine radiology relative to others, and the perceived risks associated with LSX radiation.

Conclusion

Several key factors differentiate the accounts of GPs who have high and low rates of referral for LSX, even though they are aware of clinical guideline recommendations. Intervention studies that aim to increase adherence to guideline recommendations on the use of LSX by changing the ordering behaviour of practitioners in primary care should focus on these factors.
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Metadata
Title
Explaining variation in GP referral rates for x-rays for back pain
Authors
Rachel Baker
Jan Lecouturier
Senga Bond
Publication date
01-12-2006
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Implementation Science / Issue 1/2006
Electronic ISSN: 1748-5908
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-1-15

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