Non-specific diagnostic labels for musculoskeletal conditions foster positive views about prognosis and non-invasive management but require clear explanation: a systematic review

Review written by Ben Cormack info

Key Points

  1. Patients want specific labels to validate their problem.
All key points available for members only
Start free trial Icon
Or log in here

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The ability to diagnose a tissue source of low back pain with the current clinical tests available has been an on-going challenge within healthcare. This has led to the “non-specific” label of low back pain (LBP) that has met with various degrees of satisfaction from both healthcare professionals and patients alike.

Both specific and non-specific labels may have potential drawbacks on patient understanding, expectations of recovery and healthcare utilization for their back pain. A non-specific label can be seen as “we don’t know” and confusing, whilst more specific labels can have negative impacts on beliefs and behaviors around their back pain.

It currently is unclear which types of diagnostic labels are most effective in positively influencing patient beliefs and improving outcomes, therefore the research questions for this review were:

  • What are patient and public perceptions of diagnostic labels for musculoskeletal pain?

  • How do these labels influence beliefs, emotions and treatment preferences?

Both specific and non-specific labels may have potential drawbacks on patient understanding, expectations of recovery and healthcare utilization for their back pain.
bulb
Perhaps clinicians also need to better tolerate the inherent uncertainty that comes with all diagnosis and labels.

METHODS

This study was a systematic review using qualitative research looking at patient perceptions of diagnostic labels for musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. This included perceived seriousness of the condition, recovery expectations and treatment expectations. They used a constructivist epistemological perspective, recognizing that

Start free trial Icon
to unlock full access to this review and 1157 more
Or log in here
Trustpilot