Improving care for chronic low back pain through better teamwork between doctors and physiotherapists

Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Coordinated Interprofessional Care Pathway on Disability in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain and Patients at Risk of Chronic Low Back Pain in Primary Care: a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional CNGE Conseil · NCT05531201

This study is testing whether better teamwork between doctors and physiotherapists can help people with chronic low back pain feel better and manage their condition more effectively.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorCNGE Conseil Academic / other
Locations1 site (Fontainebleau)
Trial IDNCT05531201 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a coordinated care pathway involving collaboration between general practitioners and physiotherapists for patients suffering from chronic low back pain. It aims to address the disparities in management of low back pain in primary care by enhancing interprofessional collaboration. The approach focuses on optimizing care delivery to improve patient outcomes and reduce disability associated with low back pain. Participants will be monitored for improvements in their condition as a result of this coordinated care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 who are experiencing acute low back pain or are at risk of chronic low back pain.

Not a fit: Patients with serious underlying conditions ('red flags'), minors, or pregnant women may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce disability and improve quality of life for patients with chronic low back pain.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that enhanced collaboration between healthcare providers can lead to improved patient outcomes, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Adult patients between the ages of 18 and 65

* Patients consulting their GP for a first or new eisode of acute low back pain (more than 12 months from the previous one) with a STarT Back screening tool score greater than 3.
* OR low back pain at risk of chronicity (presence of yellow flags, according to the recommendation of the High Health Authority (HAS) of 2019
* OR recurrent low back pain: in the event of recurrence of low back pain within 12 months after the previous episode, then considered to be at risk of chronicity
* OR having chronic low back pain (low back pain for more than 3 months)
* Patients benefiting from the general social security system
* Patients who understand and speak French fluently
* Patients who have given their consent after having received complete information on the protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Minor patients
* Pregnant women (declared pregnancy) or immediately postpartum (up to 3 months)
* Patients with "red flags" (serious neurological impairment, cancer, infection, fracture or inflammatory disease), according to the 2019 HAS recommendation
* Patients referred immediately for imaging or specialist advice during the first consultation with the GP (suspicion of underlying pathology)
* Patients with no history of acute low back pain, at low risk of chronicity (STarT Back screening tool score less than or equal to 3)
* Patients with a contraindication to rehabilitation by physiotherapy
* Patients who have already undergone spine surgery
* Patients with cognitive impairment
* Patients whose life expectancy is less than 12 months
* Patients under guardianship or curatorship, under judicial protection or safeguard of justice
* Patients not affiliated to the general social security system
* Patients with difficulties in understanding the French language
* Patients with an inability to give express consent

Where this trial is running

Fontainebleau

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Low Back Pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.