Telemedical Interdisciplinary Care Team Evaluation and Treatment of People With Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Observational Study

Objective

To evaluate the effects of an interdisciplinary care team (ICT) model delivered by telemedicine on patients with low back pain (LBP).

Design

Retrospective analysis of deidentified pre-existing data.

Setting

Retrospective observational study of patients presenting with LBP to a nationwide telemedicine practice using an ICT model.

Participants

Over a 9-month period all patients with a diagnosis related to LBP and who had an ICT evaluation (medical doctor, advanced practice provider, health coach, and physical therapist) were included in the study (n=36). A minimum of 2 follow-up physical therapy visits were required for inclusion.

Interventions

Patients were evaluated for LBP, received a diagnosis, and were offered a multidisciplinary treatment plan. Additional real-time audio visual medical, health coaching, registered dietician, and physical therapy services were received as deemed clinically appropriate.

Main Outcome Measures

Baseline, 30 day, and final pain (mean 81 day) measurements via numerical pain rating scale (NPRS). Baseline and final Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-10 Global Mental/Physical domains.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Use of prescription medication, referral for imaging, need for injections, or surgery.

Results

36 patients met criteria. Pain levels included mild (n=6, 16.7%), moderate (n=19, 52.8%), and severe (n=11, 30.6%). Clinically significant pain improvements were noted in 83.3% (n=25) of those with moderate or severe pain. PROMIS Mental and Physical Health categorization from Fair/Poor to Good/Excellent significantly improved over time. The initial 20% (n=7) in Fair/Poor Mental Health improved to 6.3% (n=2) at finish, while the 80% (n=28) in Good/Excellent Mental Health at start improved to 93.8% (n=30) at finish. Regarding Physical Health, 51.4% (n=18) rated Fair/Poor at start and 31.3% (n=10) at finish, while the 48.6% (n=17) rated Good/Excellent at start improved to 68.8% (n=22) at finish. The need for prescription medication was low (n=6, 16.7%) and spinal imaging orders were negligible (n=1, 2.8%). Injections were warranted in 11.4% (n=4) of patients and surgical referral with operative treatment in 2.8% (n=1).

Conclusion

Interdisciplinary care delivered through telemedicine can significantly improve pain and support improved health-related quality of life in patients with LBP, with low rates of imaging, prescription, and interventional use.