Evaluation of the effectiveness of a consumer pamphlet for low back pain

A randomized, controlled trial, consisting of 3 study arms (A, B and C), will be undertaken in partnership with 20 community pharmacies in the Perth, Western Australia, metropolitan area. Arm B: Pamphlet only: pharmacists will be asked to invite the next 12 customers, after the control participants have been recruited, and who meet the inclusion criteria, to participate in the study (N=120). In this arm, participants will receive a pamphlet from the pharmacist without any further information about self management, other than usual instructions from the pharmacist relating to medication intake, dosage and side-effects. Baseline data will be collected prior to the pamphlet being provided. Arm C: Pamphlet with education (pharmacies 11-20): pharmacists will be asked to invite the first 12 customers who meet the inclusion criteria to participate in the study (N=120). In this arm, participants will receive a pamphlet from the pharmacist and the pharmacist will review the content of the pamphlet with the participant. Information provided by pharmacists will be standardised. Baseline data will be collected prior to the pamphlet and prior to any further information being provided. The role of the pharmacist will be to reinforce the key messages contained in the pamphlet. The consumer pamphlet contains evidence-based information about the course of, and self management strategies for, acute and chronic LBP. The pamphlet is aimed at individuals who seek care for, or information about, LBP in primary care settings (eg pharmacies, GP practices, allied health practices). The pamphlet has undergone a period of consultation with key professional health bodies and health stakeholders. The pamphlet content is supported by the Australian Clinical Psychology Association, Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, Australian Osteopathic Association, Australian Pain Society, Australian Physiotherapy Association, Australian Rheumatology Association (WA), Chiropractors’ Association of Australia, Health Consumers’ Council, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (WA) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. The intervention will be conducted as a single trial with anticipated recruitment running over a 6 month period with a completion date estimated at September 2011.