Improving care for low back pain in primary care

Can we Improve Care Pathway in Low Back Pain? A Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Geneva · NCT05768516

This study is testing a new way to improve care for people with low back pain by training doctors and changing how they treat patients to see if it helps reduce unnecessary tests and costs.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment124 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Geneva Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Le Lignon, Geneva and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05768516 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates a new multi-level intervention aimed at enhancing the care of patients with low back pain in primary care settings in Switzerland. The intervention focuses on stratifying care based on the risk of chronicity, improving education for healthcare professionals and patients, and facilitating interprofessional communication. General practitioners will be recruited to either implement the intervention or continue standard care without specific training. The study will evaluate the feasibility of this approach and its effectiveness in reducing unnecessary imaging and medication use, as well as healthcare costs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 consulting a general practitioner for a new episode of low back pain.

Not a fit: Patients who have consulted their GP for low back pain in the last three months or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to more effective management of low back pain, reducing unnecessary treatments and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar stratified care approaches in managing low back pain, suggesting potential for this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged over 18
* Patient consulting a general practitioner for a new episode of LBP
* Patients is part of "Delta Network"

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients that had already consulted their GP for LBP in the last three months (not a new episode)
* Patients unable to give consent and/or unable to answer the questionnaires, i.e. due to Dementia or language difficulties
* Known pregnancy
* Unable or unwilling to provide either a smartphone number or an email address.
* Unable or unwilling to give informed consent

Where this trial is running

Le Lignon, Geneva and 1 other locations

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 Back Pain, LowStratified careGuideline implementationPrimary care
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.