Rehabilitation model for patients with chronic lower back pain in the community using innovative care for a chronic conditions framework

Abstract

Abstract
The purpose of this descriptive research is to study the guidelines for the development of a rehabilitation model for patients with chronic lower back pain (P-CLBP) in the community and applying innovative care for a chronic conditions framework. The key information consisted of 20 patients and their relatives, 15 health care teams, and 15 community partners.This qualitative research collected data through in-depth interviews and a discussion group of village health volunteers. The researchers then drafted a rehabilitation model for P-CLBP and presented it to experts through the group discussion method. Then, the data were analyzed using content analysis methods. The results of the study were as follows: at the micro level, it concerns individuals, patients, relatives, health care teams and community networks. All three sectors should play the following roles: 1) to create the motivation and drive for rehabilitation of P-CLBP; 2) to prepare and train patients and relatives in terms of skills and gaining knowledge and information on self-rehabilitation;  3) to reduce the feelings of inferiority among patients; and to 4) to integrate cooperation in caring for P-CLBP at the meso-level or the level of the family unit, health organizations and community partners. These roles should be as follows: 1) to promote network capacity in the community; 2) to promote a continuous patient care system in the community;  3) to support and motivate through leadership; 4) to mobilize and coordinate resources in the community; 5) to develop a service system and to prepare for patient care; and 6) to support prevention and self-management among patients with CLBP and their relatives. At the macro or policy level of the organization and community, their roles should be as follows: 1) to establish community agreements or constitutions; 2) to formulate joint policies and plans; 3) to promote and support operations; 4) to allocate budgets for the rehabilitation of P-CLBP; and 5) to develop the expertise of the personnel; and 6) to provide adequate medical equipment to meet the needs of P-CLBP.