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Who has the most influence on a patient's belief about their back pain. The answer next...
Patient Beliefs About Back Pain Shaped by Clinicians
Reported in Healthday, health care professionals have a substantial and lasting effect on patient
attitudes and beliefs about back pain, according to research published in the the Annals of
Family Medicine. Ben Darlow, of the University of Otago in
Wellington, New Zealand, and colleagues analyzed data from interviews with 12 patients with
acute (3 months) back pain to assess
their attitudes and beliefs about back pain. The researchers found that health care professionals
had the strongest influence on patient attitudes and beliefs about back pain, whereas the Internet,
family, and friends had a lesser impact. Many messages from clinicians were interpreted
as meaning the back needed to be protected and could contribute to increased vigilance,
worry, guilt, or frustration for the patient. Clinician reassurance and advice were associated
with increased confidence and positive effects on movement and activity, respectively.
"Health care professionals have a considerable and enduring influence upon the attitudes
and beliefs of people with low back pain," the authors write. "It is important that this
opportunity is used to positively influence attitudes and beliefs."
Comment: Much like the healers of old, physicians can influence how patients feel.