ConnecTBack Trial – Creating Team-Based care for a new primary care model for low back pain

Self-reported low back pain (LBP) disability using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Disability and function are considered the most important outcomes for people with LBP.

Our hypothesis is that a team-based approach to care in a general medical practice setting will have better outcomes than usual general practitioner (GP) led care for people with low back pain. The overall aim is to determine whether, for people with low back pain, a team-based approach in general medical practice that includes a musculoskeletal (MSK) clinician is more effective than usual GP-led care. Specific aims are to: 1) Understand the impact on disability (primary outcome at 3 months), pain intensity, quality of life, global rating of change, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. 2) Understand the impact on health system and societal outcomes, including healthcare access, GP workload, emergency department visits, diagnostic imaging, opioid medications used, and missed work. 3) Determine the cost-effectiveness of the planned approach.