Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, and Institute for Work & Health, 481 University Avenue, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2E9, Canada. cammendol@iwh.on.ca
To evaluate the ability of a systematic educational intervention strategy to change the plain radiography ordering behavior of chiropractors toward evidence-based practice for patients with acute low back pain (LBP).
A quasi-experimental method was used comparing outcomes before and after the intervention with those of a control community.
Two communities in southern Ontario.
Mailed survey data on the management of acute LBP. Outcome Measures Plain radiography use rates for acute LBP based on responses to mailed surveys.
Following the intervention, there was a 42% reduction in the self-report need for plain radiography for uncomplicated acute LBP (P .05).
The educational intervention strategy used in this study appeared to have an effect in reducing the perceived need for plain radiography in acute LBP.