title: Hydrotherapy management of low back pain: a quality improvement project.
abstract: An audit of 81 patients referred to hydrotherapy for low back pain was carried out over 12 months. The audit recorded response to hydrotherapy in terms of area of pain; intensity of pain; range of motion and ability to perform activities of daily living; treatment frequency and duration; and hydrotherapy program content. Results showed a highly significant beneficial response (t(67) = 9.2, p < 0.001). Changes to the hydrotherapy service resulting from the study include improved documentation; standardised assessment; re-worked hydrotherapy program; and regular assessment of patients within planned time-frames.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Freeman
keywords: Backache; Hydrotherapy; Lumbosacral Region; Quality Assurance, Health Care