Clinician resources
This model of care aims to support people with acute low back pain to:
- self-manage their condition
- reduce the risk of spiralling into a chronic pain state
- maintain their participation in work, family and social life to the full.
The model highlights three important areas for improvement:
- more appropriate clinical examination and use of radiological imaging only as necessary
- better use of appropriate analgesia
- enhanced patient education.
Model of care
Published: May 2016.
A primary-care based model to support people with acute low back pain.
Summary model of care
Published: February 2024. Next review: 2029.
This summary model provides guidance for primary care practitioners caring for people with low back pain. It outlines the different care pathways for people with low back pain based on a triage approach.
This resource was developed and updated in partnership with the State Insurance Regulation Authority (SIRA).
Evaluation
Use of this model in the emergency department was evaluated in a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised trial.
Consumer information
Best practice care for people with acute low back pain
Published: August 2019.
Understanding what the model of care aims to address and why.
Printing available from Finsbury Green. Product: 2HACI09
Managing low back pain
Revised: December 2022.
Simple, practical information for an individualised back pain recovery plan. Revised in collaboration with State Insurance Regulatory Authority.
Download the fact sheet fact sheet (PDF 7.2 MB)
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Research
We support research into low back pain and provide evidence to support clinical practice.
- The Sydney Health Partners Emergency Department (SHaPED) trial provided a protocol for implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of an multifaceted intervention in the emergency department.
- Diagnoses and trends in use of imaging for low back pain in four Australian emergency departments between 2012 and 2019 describes the impact of the model on lumbar imaging.
Related resources
Emergency department clinical tools: Acute low back pain for the assessment and management of people with acute low back pain presenting to the emergency department.
Consumer information on chronic pain is available on the Chronic pain website.