Low back pain (LBP) is a complex health problem that is often not well supported by traditional models of healthcare. The Chronic Pain Statewide Clinical Network (SCN) has been leading a project to support more appropriate and consistent care for people with LBP to better meet patient needs and more effectively support the busy hospital system. The Chronic Pain SCN’s LBP working group developed a proposed optimal system of care for LBP that was released for broad community consultation via the YourSAy platform in late 2023.
Many people with LBP currently rely on the hospital system for treatment, yet evidence suggests community-based services which follow best-practice guidelines are appropriate for most presentations. Treatment also varies across settings, ranging from physical and psychological interventions through to strong medications (e.g., opioids) and surgery. Contemporary approaches to pain management should reflect the current understanding of pain science and evidence-informed care through innovative and flexible design. We must ‘reimagine’ the way we deliver care for LBP to improve outcomes for people living with this condition.
The optimal system of care proposes a shift away from traditional healthcare structures by creating versatile community-based options for LBP that better support service navigation and facilitate access to early assessment, management, and review. Key components of the system include:
- A central triage hotline
- Multidisciplinary care teams within community care hubs
- Dedicated pain coach roles
- Supported self-management to empower individuals in their care journey.
Watch the video below to see members of the Chronic Pain Statewide Clinical Network Steering Commitee, Prof. Anne Burke, Clinical Lead and Mary Wing, Consumer Representative, discuss the purpose of this work.
Over 60 consultation responses were received from a range of stakeholders including consumers, clinicians, health professionals, researchers, and peak body organisations. The consultation feedback will be used to refine and finalise the optimal system of care in early 2024. Resources and partnerships will then be sought to trial the feasibility of the model with a view to it being commissioned broadly across South Australia. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the consultation.
Consultation is now concluded but you can still visit the YourSAy website to read the consultation paper and other useful resources.