A program to improve care for low back pain in Alberta
Alberta Back Care Pathway (ABCp)
This study is testing a new program that helps family doctors in Alberta provide better care for people with low back pain by using specific guidelines and tailored treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT05452876 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The Alberta Back Care Pathway (ABCp) aims to enhance the management of low back pain (LBP) by training family physicians in Alberta to implement a guideline-based approach. This program categorizes LBP patients into five groups, each with tailored, evidence-based interventions that can be provided at no or low cost. By addressing barriers such as lack of training and resources, the ABCp seeks to reduce the prevalence of ineffective care and improve patient outcomes. The initiative incorporates elements from the GLA:D Back program, focusing on education, structured exercise, and data collection to ensure comprehensive care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are English-speaking residents of Alberta aged 18 and older who experience low back pain and are seeking care from participating family physicians.
Not a fit: Patients with low back pain resulting from recent motor vehicle accidents or those with contraindications to exercise may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to more effective management of low back pain, reducing disability and improving quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar guideline-based approaches to managing low back pain, indicating that this program builds on established evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Licensed physicians in the Edmonton West Primary Care Network (EWPCN) and the Calgary Chronic Pain Centre (CPC) * Age ≥18 years; (no upper age limit) * English speaking and a resident of Alberta who have cognition and language sufficient to understand written information, and to provide consent. * Cauda equina syndrome or infection, fracture * Single or multiple items such as age over 70, female, significant trauma, and prolonged corticosteroid use) * Cancer (single or multiple items such as older age, and previous history of cancer) * For the CPC site specifically: additional requirement of depression and anxiety as rated using the PHQ4 exclusion will include score of 3 or greater on the first two questions combined and/or score of 3 or greater on the third and 4th question combined Exclusion Criteria: * Low back pain is caused by a recent motor vehicle accident * WCB case * Any known contraindication to exercise (i.e., unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmia, severe aortic stenosis). * Current participation in a supervised exercise or rehabilitation program or enrolled in another interventional clinical trial. * Plans for, or undergoing, surgery that would involve the spine directly or indirectly or place them into a position where any of the interventions in this trial would be contraindicated as a result of the surgery.
Where this trial is running
Edmonton, Alberta
- University of Alberta — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jennifer N Glumpak, MScPT
- Email: jjcampbe@ualberta.ca
- Phone: 825-401-4157
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.