The use of patient-led goal setting in the intervention of chronic low back pain in adults: a narrative review

Abstract

Chronic low back pain (cLBP) impacts millions of adults annually. Several nonsurgical interventions are recommended for treating this condition, however, limited literature exists regarding the impact patient-led goals may have on outcomes in the treatment of cLBP. The purpose of this narrative review is to identify gaps and synthesize literature examining the associations of patient-led goals combined with care for cLBP. A total of 12 studies were reviewed and findings were synthesized. Patient-led goal setting may serve as an effective intervention for adults with cLBP. Current outcome measures may not align with patient-led goals. Further investigation is required to understand patient-led goals with ancillary treatments and specific age groups, such as adults over age 65.