Article

Therapeutic patient education (TPE) is a continuous medical care
process whose role in lower back pain (LBP) has yet to be well defined.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role and impact of TPE in the medical and surgical
management of LBP. METHOD: A non-systematic literature review. RESULTS: Few
formal TPE programmes have been rigorously evaluated in the context of LBP. In
most cases, TPE tools have been combined with other interventional measures that
vary according to the conceptual models used - thus limiting the extent to which
the effect of TPE alone can be judged. Information that complies with the
guidelines modifies knowledge and inappropriate beliefs. Whether formalized or
not, TPE appears to modify (i) the physical disability and pain related to LBP
and (ii) the patient's choice of therapy (e.g. surgery). The impact appears to be
more marked in the (sub)acute phases. DISCUSSION: National and international
guidelines suggest that TPE based on a biopsychosocial model has a positive
impact on the patients' behaviour and treatment compliance. The cost/benefit
ratio appears to be favourable. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic patient education appears
to reduce the negative consequences of fear-avoidance behaviour and thus promotes
treatment compliance in LBP patients, from the acute phase onwards.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Langue : ANGLAIS ; FRANCAIS