Randomized trial of two physiotherapy interventions for primary care back and neck pain patients: cost-effectiveness analysis

A. Manca, J. C. Dumville, D. J. Torgerson, J. A. Klaber Moffett, M. P. Moone, D. A. Jackson, S. Eaton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives. To assess the cost-effectiveness of a brief physiotherapy pain management approach using cog nitive-behavioural principles (Solution-Finding Approach) when compared with a commonly used traditional method of physical therapy (McKenzie Approach).

Methods. Economic evaluation conducted alongside a randomized trial. The study related incremental differences in costs and benefits associated with the Solution Finding and McKenzie approaches over 12 months. Costs were measured in UK pounds sterling. Benefit was measured as health-related quality of life using the EQ-5D, which was used to estimate patient-specific quality adjusted life years (OALYs).

Results. The McKenzie treatment required, on average, one extra physiotherapist visit (4.15 vs 3.10). Over a 12-month period, Solution Finding was associated with a lower per patient cost of -24.4 pound (95% CI -49.6 pound to 0.789) pound. The mean difference in QALYs between the two groups was -0.020 (95% CI -0.057 to 0.017); favouring those receiving McKenzie. Relating incremental mean costs and QALYs gave an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of 11220 pound (-24.4/-0.020) suggesting the McKenzie treatment is cost effective.

Conclusions. Results suggest that the additional cost associated with the McKenzie treatment when compared with the Solution Finding Approach may be worth paying, given the additional benefit the approach seems more likely to provide. Further research is needed to assess the extent to which the difference in physiotherapy visits between the two strategies is generalizable to other treatment settings.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1495-1501
Number of pages7
JournalRheumatology
Volume46
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2007

Keywords

  • neck and back pain
  • primary care
  • cost
  • benefits
  • physiotherapy
  • PHYSICAL TREATMENTS
  • BAYESIAN METHODS
  • CLINICAL-TRIAL
  • RISK-FACTORS
  • DISABILITY
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UK
  • NETHERLANDS
  • PREVALENCE
  • GUIDELINES

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