Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40960471›Full record

ArticleAnnals of medicine2025

Perception gaps between healthcare professionals and people with CLBP: an online survey of current primary care management practices in the United Kingdom.

Tianyu Zhou

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Annals of medicine, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

1 author.

Tianyu ZhouSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.ORCID 0000-0002-8785-8493

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThis study examined differences in perspectives and perceptual gaps in the management of chronic low back pain (CLBP) between healthcare professionals-general practitioners (GPs) and physiotherapists-and people with CLBP in United Kingdom primary care.

methodsA cross-sectional online survey was completed by 32 GPs, 53 physiotherapists, and 138 people with CLBP. Closed- and open-ended questions assessed management strategies, perceived effectiveness, treatment goals, and alignment of perspectives. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and qualitative responses through content analysis.

resultsGPs most frequently recommended exercise (87.5%), analgesics (84.4%), and referral to physiotherapy (62.5%). Physiotherapists emphasised exercise (98%), pain education (73.6%), and active lifestyle advice (47.2%). Both groups prioritised active management, while patients most often reported analgesic use (44.9%) and passive treatments such as manual therapy (12.3%) and electrotherapy (12.3%). Regarding treatment goals, GPs and physiotherapists prioritised functional improvement, pain reduction, mental health, daily activity, and quality of life (all ≥80%), reflecting a biopsychosocial approach. Patients, however, focused mainly on pain relief (52.2%) and return to activity (33.3%), underscoring expectation gaps.

conclusionsWhile GPs and physiotherapists generally follow guideline-recommended, active strategies for CLBP, substantial differences remain between clinician recommendations and patient-reported practices and goals. Addressing these gaps requires enhanced communication, shared decision-making, and more person-centred care.

Indexed as

Attitude of Health PersonnelChronic PainGeneral PractitionersLow Back PainPhysical TherapistsAdultAgedAnalgesicsCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedPain ManagementPhysical Therapy ModalitiesPrimary Health CareAnalgesicsbiopsychosocial modelhealth personnelLow back painpatient-centred careprimary health caresurveys and questionnaires

Identifiers

PMID40960471
PMCPMC12444962

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.