ArticlePilot and feasibility studies2022
A qualitative evaluation of participants experiences of living with back pain, lumbar fusion surgery, and post-operative rehabilitation.
Article in Pilot and feasibility studies, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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Who cites it
9 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 9 citations in OpenAlex.
- Effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions after cervical neurosurgery: systematic review and meta-analysis.Irish journal of medical science · 2025Pooled it
- Progressive Early Mobilization and Its Impact on Pain and Function After Lumbar Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Retrospective Study Based on the Oswestry Disability Index.Journal of pain research · 2026Article
- Patient-reported outcomes and their associated factors at 1- and 2-year follow-up after lumbar spine surgery: a surgery registry study.Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation · 2025Article
- A pre-, peri- and postoperative rehabilitation pathway for lumbar fusion surgery (REACT): a nonrandomized controlled clinical trial.European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society · 2025Article
- Patients' experience on waiting for spinal arthrodesis: a qualitative study.Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation · 2025Observational
- Article
- Post-Operative Physical Therapy Following Cervical Spine Surgery: Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes.Cureus · 2023Article
- Best practice rehabilitation pathway for the management of single and double-level lumbar fusion surgery: a modified Delphi Study.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine · 2023Article
- The Infinity Loop of Healthcare Innovation: Development of an Integrated Rehabilitation Pathway for Lumbar Fusion Surgery Through Design Thinking.International journal of integrated careArticle
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors at 4 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundThe use of lumbar fusion surgery is increasing in developed economies. High levels of patient dissatisfaction are reported post-operatively. To address this need, we developed a theoretically informed rehabilitation programme for use following lumbar fusion surgery (the REFS programme). We conducted a mixed methods randomised controlled feasibility study (REFS v 'usual care'). The numerical and feasibility outcomes are reported separately. The current qualitative study was 'nested' within the main feasibility study to explore participants' experiences before and after lumbar fusion surgery including the impact of rehabilitation content. This facilitated a deeper understanding of potential mechanisms of action, for theoretical and programme refinement.
methodsA purposive sample (n = 10 'usual care', n = 10 REFS) was identified from the main feasibility study cohort. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted post-operatively (median 8 months, range 5-11). Interview data were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analysed thematically.
resultsThree themes were constructed: the breadth and severity of impact associated with a chronic lumbar disorder was summarised in theme 1, 'Ever-decreasing circles; living with a chronic lumbar disorder'. Theme 2, 'What have I done? Reflections on recovery from lumbar fusion surgery', illustrated participants post-operative helplessness, which was associated with worsening mental health, problematic use of opioids, fear related to the instillation of metalware, and the important mitigating effect of informal social support. Theme 3 'Rehabilitation experiences' identified critical rehabilitation programme content including exercise, a shared rehabilitation experience, the opportunity for vicarious learning, and professional expertise.
conclusionsTo enhance patient benefit future REFS programme iterations should consider reinforcement of the identified valued programme content. Additional content should be considered to mitigate post-operative fear, which frequently aligned with the instillation of metalware into the spine. Participant's perceptions regarding the necessity of lumbar fusion surgery has potential implications for the surgical consent process.
trial registrationStudy registration; ISRCTN60891364 , date registered 10/7/2014.
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