title: Evidence-based development of a post-surgical lumbar discectomy leaflet intervention: a Delphi consensus study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To produce free, expert-informed postoperative information for lumbar discectomy patients, satisfying UK National Health Service Information Standards.
  
  
  METHODS
  A mixed methods approach utilising the Delphi technique and focus groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five spinal centres across the UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  Panel members included 23 physiotherapists, 11 patients and 17 spinal surgeons.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three rounds of questionnaires including open and closed questions and attendance at a clinician/patient focus group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Response rates of 85%, 26% and 35% were achieved for the Delphi rounds. Ten clinicians and six patients participated in the focus groups. Consensus for leaflet sections was achieved in round 1 and content in round 3. The focus groups informed further revisions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A consensually agreed, Information Standard compliant, patient lumbar discectomy leaflet was produced containing: (1) normal spine anatomy; (2) anatomy disc herniation and surgery; (3) back protection strategies and (4) frequently asked questions. Illustrations of exercises enable tailoring to the individual patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Goodwin
authors.affiliation: School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Department, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Allan
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Department, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Crowther
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Department, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital NHS Trust, Oswestry, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Darley
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Heap
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Department, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rushton
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D032921:Consensus; D003697:Delphi Technique; D017586:Diskectomy; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery*; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D059825:Physical Therapists; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty; D012648:Self Care; D013131:Spine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: REHABILITATION MEDICINE