Development of referral indications for low back pain with RAND-UCLA consensus panel method / 中华全科医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the validity of RAND-UCLA (Rand Corporation and University of California at Los Angeles) consensus panel method in developing guidelines of referral indications for low back pain (LBP).Methods Evidence-based clinical guidelines for LBP management at community level and its referral guidelines published since 2001 and other tools were retrieved with varied tools.All clinical guidelines met inclusion criteria were evaluated with clinical studies and evaluation tools (AGREE).An pool of indication items was established based on evidence for developing referral indications for LBP, which were added by RAND-UCLA consensus panel method, and alternative referral indications were selected and clinical guidelines for LBP referral were established.Results A total of 15 copies of clinical guidelines from nine countries or regions were included in it after critical appraisal.Four copies of referral guidelines from two countries were included.Referral indications for LBP were derived directly from the RAND-UCLA consensus panel process, consisting of 44 referral indications for three groups (immediate, urgent and routine referral).Conclusions The RAND-UCLA consensus panel method is a more useful and practical tool in developing clinical guidelines, referral guidelines, which is worthwhile being recommended and spread.