An interesting open-access study examines the hopes and expectations of patients entering low back pain care with doctors of chiropractic, physical therapists and medical doctors.1 Here’s what you need to know.
Before Care Begins
What patients focus on is different prior to the first appointment than after care begins. The primary theme of most patients prior to the initial appointment is: “Something needs to be done.” This was generally expressed with some urgency by those in the study.
Back pain and life disruption beyond the point of endurance drives patients to seek care with the hope that their provider will “do something.” Finding the cause was an important expectation of seeking care that was not always met. One patient in the study remarked that they didn’t want to live on pain medication; they wanted a solution. Lack of an affirmative explanation and inadequate assurance regarding their situation left patients feeling frustrated, dismayed and neglected.
Some patients were more interested in knowing “what can be done” over a diagnosis; while others wanted to know, “What is it?” They expected to receive regular assessments, progress reports and ongoing treatment trajectories.
Patients wanted confirmation that what they’re feeling is real, such as having their provider touch or find their pain. Being able to reproduce the pain upon examination made patients feel that the provider is competent to address the problem.
Some patients doubted the diagnostic abilities of their medical doctor and either sought chiropractic care or hoped to be referred to a specialist. When seeking care from a DC or a physical therapist, patients tended to expect care to begin with the initial visit. Most patients were comfortable with their provider deciding what care was most effective. This was especially true with chiropractic.
Expectations / Responses to Care
Patients expect a thorough examination. The more meticulous the examination, the more patients trust their clinical experience. Patients want their doctor to affirm what the patient is feeling during care. Acknowledgment by the provider instills trust in the patient.
Positive clinical experiences by patients are associated with how they see their provider. Patients want to see their providers as “kind,” “open-minded,” “listening,” “understanding,” “humorous,” “easy to talk to,” and “forthcoming.” Many patients prefer to be part of the process in a collaborative approach to their healing. In the end, patients want to be regularly reassured that they will “get well.”
Keep Being the Doctor Patients Need
The findings of this study point to the type of patient-centered care chiropractors are known for. Recognizing what patients’ expectations are when they walk in your door will help you provide the best care to meet their needs. A thorough examination with consistent communication and an atmosphere of collaboration will instill the trust required to encourage them to complete their care plan.
Reference
- Madsen SD, et al. Patient perspectives on low back pain treatment in primary care: a qualitative study of hopes, expectations, and experiences. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 2024; 25:997. Open access.
