Implementing evidence-based guidelines for radiography in acute low back pain: a pilot study in a chiropractic community

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of a systematic educational intervention strategy to change the plain radiography ordering behavior of chiropractors toward evidence-based practice for patients with acute low back pain (LBP). DESIGN: A quasi-experimental method was used comparing outcomes before and after the intervention with those of a control community. SETTING: Two communities in southern Ontario. DATA SOURCE: Mailed survey data on the management of acute LBP.Outcome Measures Plain radiography use rates for acute LBP based on responses to mailed surveys. RESULTS: Following the intervention, there was a 42% reduction in the self-report need for plain radiography for uncomplicated acute LBP (P <.025) and a 50% reduction for patients with acute LBP < 1 month (P <.025) in the intervention community. There was no significant change in the self-report need for plain radiography in the control community (P >.05). CONCLUSIONS: The educational intervention strategy used in this study appeared to have an effect in reducing the perceived need for plain radiography in acute LBP.