Non-clinical factors such as sex, socioeconomic status and patient presentation influence physician decisions regarding the diagnosis and treatment for non-specific low back pain, according to a report published in Spine.
Researchers distributed one patient education vignette and questionnaire to primary care and emergency department clinical physicians at five teaching hospitals. The questionnaires examined diagnostic and treatment recommendations and asked about specific tests, medications, therapeutic procedures, activity and referral to other services.
The researchers found that 75 percent of the physicians had less than five years of clinical practice experience. Patient presentation, describing the patients' emotional state when meeting with the medical professional, was the most influential factor, according to the report.
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The researchers found that 75 percent of the physicians had less than five years of clinical practice experience. Patient presentation, describing the patients' emotional state when meeting with the medical professional, was the most influential factor, according to the report.
Related Articles on Spine Surgery:
Researchers Examine Growth Factors to Slow, Reverse Disc Degeneration
Combined CPT and ICD-9-CM Specifically Captures Cervical Spine Procedures
Commercial and Custom Probes for Pedicle Screw Insertion Perform the Same, Despite Cost Differences