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Table 1 Performance indicators based on guideline recommendations to measure guideline adherence among GPs [12]

From: Effectiveness of a multifaceted implementation strategy compared to usual care on low back pain guideline adherence among general practitioners

Guideline recommendation

Performance indicator for LBP

Operationalization

A small proportion of patients will not recover with help from the primary care sector, these patients should be referred to secondary care

Referral to consultation with medical specialists (neurology, orthopaedics or other specialty)

Referrals as percentage of total consultations for LBP per GP, reported separately per specialty

Diagnostic imaging is not routinely indicated for acute non-specific LBP; Diagnostic imaging is not recommended for patients with chronic non-specific LBP

Referral for diagnostic imaging

Referrals for MRI, X-ray, CT, Dexa or ultrasound as percentage of total consultations for LBP per GP, reported separately for every imaging technique

Be alert to psychosocial risk factors that can influence the prognosis of LBP, and analyse these if recovery does not occur; Evaluation of psychosocial risk factors that can influence the prognosis of LBP is recommended

Inquiries about psychosocial risk factors

Consultations where psychosocial risk factors were discussed and reported, as percentage of total consultations for LBP per GP

Cognitive behavioural therapy is recommended for patients with cognitive (and) behavioural problems; Patients with LBP that do not recover within 2–3 weeks and have psychosocial risk factors should be referred to a psychologist

Referral for psychosocial care as indicator for multidisciplinary collaboration

Referrals as percentage of total consultations for LBP per GP

In employed patients with LBP a prognosis and recovery expectations for return to work should be discussed

Inquiries about work-related risk factors

Consultations where occupational risk factors were reported as percentage of total consultations for LBP per GP

The general practitioner and the occupational physician should contact each other to coordinate care if the patient’s recovery is stagnating

Referral to and/or contact with occupational physician as indicator for multidisciplinary collaboration*

Consultations where referral to and/or contact with occupational physician was made as percentage of total consultations for LBP per GP, reported separately for referral to and contact between GP and occupational physician

  1. *In the Netherlands, all employers are obligated to ask the advice of an occupational physician in case of a sick-listed employee. The occupational physician has a consultation with an employee when he/she is sick-listed within 6 weeks of the first sick day. The occupational physician will advise both the employee and the employer on what steps need to be taken for a healthy return to work