Low back pain management – What Australian community pharmacists recommend and how this compares to current clinical guidelines

Abstract

Abstract Background Low back pain (LBP) is a serious and debilitating condition that necessitates proper assessment and management. Community pharmacists are ideally positioned to interact with these patients and provide therapeutic recommendations in line with LBP clinical guidelines, which have changed in recent years. Understanding what therapeutic strategies pharmacists recommend and why, can provide insights into whether these recommendations are in line with current clinical resources. Objectives The objectives of this study were to examine community pharmacists’ views, knowledge and practices in LBP management compared to current clinical guidelines; and investigate their views regarding the accessibility and use of clinical LBP resources. Methods A cross-sectional study of Australian community pharmacists was conducted using a structured, self-administered, anonymous online survey. Primary outcomes assessed were pharmacists’ views, practices and recommendations in low back pain of different severities, as well as views on the use and accessibility of clinical guidelines. Key findings A total of 176 pharmacists completed the survey. Most recommended non-pharmacological strategies to manage mild symptoms for both adult and teenage groups, escalating to pharmacological with increasing symptom severity. Approximately 75% reported they would recommend ibuprofen over paracetamol for low back pain. Approximately 40% agreed there is difficulty in finding and accessing clinical resources and more than 40% reported being unaware that there are specific guidelines available for the management of LBP symptoms. Conclusion Results from this study highlight an important need to further improve the knowledge and awareness of pharmacists in low back pain management, including locating and accessing clinical resources.