General practitioners' experiences of managing low back pain in primary care in Ireland: A qualitative phenomenological study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common symptoms presented in general practitioner (GP) consultations worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. Despite LBP clinical guidelines advocating for non-pharmacological, primary care-based management, management often diverges from recommendations.

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of GPs' management of LBP in primary care, using a qualitative method.

Methods

Twelve GPs across multiple Irish primary care settings were interviewed using a semi-structured guide developed in line with international LBP management guidelines. Interviews were conducted either in-person or via Zoom and audio recorded. The interviews were transcribed and the data were analysed using refl

SUBMITTER: Mc Auliffe S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12721527 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature