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European Spine Journal

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01-09-2013 | Original Article

How do low back pain patients conceptualize their expectations regarding treatment? Content analysis of interviews

Authors: T. M. Haanstra, L. Hanson, R. Evans, F. A. van Nes, H. C. W. De Vet, P. Cuijpers, R. W. J. G. Ostelo

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 9/2013

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how low back pain (LBP) patients conceptualize the construct of expectations regarding treatment.

Methods

This study was nested within a mixed-method randomized clinical trial comparing three primary care interventions for LBP. A total of 77 participants with LBP lasting longer than 6 weeks were included; semi-structured interviews were conducted querying patients about their expectations for treatment. Also factors influencing their expectations were explored. Interviews were administered following enrollment into the study, but prior to study treatment. Two researchers independently conducted a content analysis using NVIVO 9 software.

Results

LBP patients’ expectations could be categorized in two main domains: outcome and process expectations, each with subdomains. Patients expressed expectations in all subdomains both as values (what they hoped) and probabilities (what they thought was likely). In multiple subdomains, there were differences in the nature (positive vs. negative) and frequency of value and probability expectations. Participants reported that multiple factors influenced their expectations of which past experience with treatment appeared to be of major influence on probability expectations.

Conclusion and recommendations

This study showed that LBP patients’ expectations for treatment are multifaceted. Current measurement instruments do not cover all domains and subdomains of expectations. Therefore, we recommend the development of new or improved measures that make a distinction between value and probability expectations and assess process and/or outcome expectations covering multiple subdomains. Some of the influencing factors found in this study may be useful targets for altering patients’ treatment expectations and improving health outcomes.

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Title: How do low back pain patients conceptualize their expectations regarding treatment? Content analysis of interviews
Authors: T. M. Haanstra
L. Hanson
R. Evans
F. A. van Nes
H. C. W. De Vet
P. Cuijpers
R. W. J. G. Ostelo
Publication date: 01-09-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 9/2013
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-2803-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

How do low back pain patients conceptualize their expectations regarding treatment? Content analysis of interviews

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion and recommendations

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion and recommendations

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