Cost-Effectiveness of Non-Invasive and Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Low Back Pain:
A Systematic Literature Review
SOURCE: Applied Health Econ & Health Policy 2016 (Aug 22)
Lazaros Andronis, Philip Kinghorn, Suyin Qiao,
David G. T. Whitehurst, Susie Durrell, Hugh McLeod
Health Economics Unit,
Public Health Building,
University of Birmingham,
Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
l.andronis@bham.ac.uk
BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a major health problem, having a substantial effect on peoples’ quality of life and placing a significant economic burden on healthcare systems and, more broadly, societies. Many interventions to alleviate LBP are available but their cost effectiveness is unclear.
OBJECTIVES: To identify, document and appraise studies reporting on the cost effectiveness of non-invasive and non-pharmacological treatment options for LBP.
METHODS: Relevant studies were identified through systematic searches in bibliographic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database), ‘similar article’ searches and reference list scanning. Study selection was carried out by three assessors, independently. Study quality was assessed using the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria checklist. Data were extracted using customized extraction forms.
RESULTS: Thirty-three studies were identified. Study interventions were categorised as:
(1) combined physical exercise and psychological therapy,
(2) physical exercise therapy only,
(3) information and education, and
(4) manual therapy.
Interventions assessed within each category varied in terms of their components and delivery. In general, combined physical and psychological treatments, information and education interventions, and manual therapies appeared to be cost effective when compared with the study-specific comparators. There is inconsistent evidence around the cost effectiveness of physical exercise programs as a whole, with yoga, but not group exercise, being cost effective.
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CONCLUSIONS: The identified evidence suggests that combined physical and psychological treatments, medical yoga, information and education programs, spinal manipulation and acupuncture are likely to be cost-effective options for LBP.
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