The aim of this project was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the care-seeking experiences of individuals living with CLBP and the perspectives of healthcare providers serving these populations. By focusing on the unique challenges faced by urban, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, the project sought to identify barriers to access, facilitators to care, and actionable recommendations to enhance service delivery and improve overall healthcare access for CLBP patients.
Thirty-three participants with CLBP completed a preliminary survey assessing demographics, pain levels, and healthcare experiences, followed by a semi-structured interview. Based on location—urban, rural, or remote—and Indigenous status, participants were categorized for targeted analysis. In-depth semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 16 healthcare providers from various disciplines involved in CLBP care across Saskatchewan, Canada. A qualitative interpretive research approach was employed, utilizing inductive thematic analysis to identify recurring themes. Analysis of patient experiences and healthcare provider experiences occurred separately, with themes developed for each group of participants.
This combined synthesis of two datasets highlights common themes and insights on healthcare access for CLBP patients from patient and healthcare provider perspectives. Both patients and healthcare providers identified barriers including patient complexity, lack of resources, care coordination and system navigation challenges, and past experiences affecting access. Rural/remote populations reported that travel and associated costs were main challenges in access care. Indigenous participants reported that communication with healthcare providers and past negatives experiences with seeking or receiving care were particularly impactful. Healthcare providers recognized barriers for patients, which ultimately influenced healthcare provider decisions and care provision. Facilitators such as funded care, multidisciplinary models, patient education, and care closer to home were highlighted. Recommendations from patients centered on enhancing coordination of care, holistic care, and patient-centered approaches. Recommendations from healthcare providers centered on enhancing multidisciplinary care, and improving education for frontline healthcare providers on CLBP management.
Participants identified a range of challenges and facilitators as well as recommendations for improving access to care for CLBP, with unique barriers for rural, remote, and Indigenous participants. Future care models should build on these identified factors, while considering clinical and community-specific contexts.
This research emphasizes the need for patient-centered, culturally responsive care and improved provider education in managing back pain. Addressing fragmented care requires collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and communities. Future research should consider local solutions focusing on community needs and strengths, evaluating innovative care models in diverse settings, and explore strategies for disseminating guideline concordant resources and treatment options to CLBP patients.
healthcare access
rehabilitation
