NR 505 SOS Quality Improvement: Chronic Low Back Pain

NR 505 SOS Quality Improvement: Chronic Low Back Pain Abstract This State of Science (SOS) paper aims to improve the quality of life for Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) adult patients as the evolving healthcare policy shifts toward utilization of alternative non-opioid therapies for pain management. CLBP is a predominant diagnosis in the primary care setting; further, the burden of resource allocation on Healthcare is growing towards 100 billion dollars annually. A qualitative review of 6 randomized control trials on the effects of adjusting clinical guidelines to include alternative modality treatment with inclusion of physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapies can be advantageous to the patient outcomes of pain management, self-efficacy, improving active daily living, as well as decreasing the cost of Healthcare resources. Proposition of a quality improvement project to implement a risk assessment tool, subsequent tiered plan of care changes, and emphasis upon active daily living will increase patient outcomes with increased plan of care adherence and greater patient-provider relationships, further driving patient-centered care. Patient surveys and interdisciplinary team involvement of PCP, PT, and psychologist assessment can be utilized to measure patient adherence, CLBP evaluation, psychological acceptance, and pain management goal achievement.