title: Using Evidence to Increase Compliance with Therapeutic Stretching for Chronic Low Back Pain.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In June 2012, a team of nurses at the Army's Landstuhl Regional Medical Center was tasked to generate an evidence-based practice recommendation for patients experiencing chronic low back pain (CLBP).
  
  
  METHODS
  Based on 14 articles, the evidence (a) validated the use of therapeutic stretching for control of CLBP, (b) identified specific modalities to increase patient adherence, and (c) supported military relevance. The team developed a questionnaire to assess previous experience with stretching exercises and preferred learning methods. Based on the responses from 32 patients, the initial goals included an increase in patient reported compliance within 3 months and a decrease in reported pain within 6 months. Long-terms goals targeted a 90% patient compliance in daily stretching regimen and a continued decrease in pain within 1 year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 3 months, a 96% compliance rate was reported for patients returning for follow-up appointments; however, the average reported pain level did not decrease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Similar clinics could benefit from methods/tools used in this project, especially where lack of compliance becomes a deterrent to quality of care.
authors.affiliation: Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Gisla
authors.forename: Mauricio J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Izaguirre
authors.forename: Susan G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Hopkinson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D059408:Pain Management / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: chronic back pain; evidence based practice; nursing modalities