Synopsis

Understanding patient preference for cLBP treatment is useful to improve targeting of therapies and increase adherence resulting in improved outcomes. This study developed and used the first discrete choice measure of patient preferences for nonsurgical treatments. In 206 persons with cLBP, the strongest preference was for best chance & longest duration of pain relief (β=1.96, p<0.001 & β=0.90, p<0.001). Avoiding long-term side-effects (β=-0.67, p<0.001) was preferred over avoiding a rare risk of permanent, serious injury’ (β=-0.28, p=0.012). Patients strongly preferred one-on-one support from a trusted therapy provider at every session, and improvement of strength was the strongest outcome preference.xtagstartz/p>

Frank Valone MD

California Pacific Orthopaedics

Appearances