The views and experiences of Malaysian primary care doctors in managing patients with chronic low back pain: a qualitative study
- Author:
Hani SS
1
;
Liew SM
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,University Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Primary care;
low back pain;
chronic
- From:Malaysian Family Physician
2018;13(1):18-24
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common and often difficult to treat conditionin the primary care setting. Research involving in-depth exploration on the views and experiencesfaced by primary care doctors in managing patients with CLBP in Malaysia is limited.Objective: To explore the primary care practitioners’ views and experiences in managing patientswith CLBP.Study design: A qualitative approach was employed using focus group discussions (FGD) at anacademic primary care clinic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Twenty-three primary care doctorswere purposively selected. Data were collected through audio-recorded interviews, which weretranscribed verbatim and checked for accuracy. Data saturation was reached by the third FGD. Anadditional FGD was included to ensure completeness. A thematic approach using the one sheet ofpaper (OSOP) method was used to analyse the data.Results: Participants view managing patients with CLBP as challenging. This is mainly due to thedifficulty in balancing the doctors’ expectations with the patients’ perceived expectations duringconsultation. Barriers identified include lack of awareness and conflicting views regarding theusefulness of the local clinical practice guideline (CPG) in clinical practice. Other barriers includetime constraints and perceived lack of support from multidisciplinary teams in managing thesepatients.Conclusion: Managing patients with CLBP is still a challenge for Malaysian primary care doctors.Any intervention should target identified barriers to improve the management of patients with CLBP.
