title: Modifying beliefs about back pain: A pilot study among healthcare professionals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to explore whether a preventive intervention based on the non-injury model and the biopsychosocial model of back pain succeeded in shifting beliefs toward less negative representations and in decreasing fear-avoidance beliefs related to back pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and one healthcare professionals took part in a 10-h educational program held over 2 consecutive days, based on the key messages of the "Back Book." Baseline values were measured 6 weeks before the intervention and when it started. Follow-up was performed at the end of the intervention and six months later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant changes were observed between baseline values and values measured at the beginning of the intervention, but participants' beliefs about LBP changed significantly after the program. The benefit remained at 6 months follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A prevention program based on the non-injury and bio-psychosocial models of LBP, introducing empowerment and problem-solving strategies, significantly reduced fear-avoidance and negative beliefs about LBP. The change was clinically relevant and thus could decrease direct and indirect healthcare costs.
authors.affiliation: Care Service Directorate, University Hospitals of Geneva, 4 Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. Electronic address: dominique.monnin@hcuge.ch.
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Monnin
authors.affiliation: Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 4 Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. Electronic address: delphine.courvoisier@hcuge.ch.
authors.forename: Delphine S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Courvoisier
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 26 Avenue de Beau-Séjour, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. Electronic address: stephane.genevay@hcuge.ch.
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Genevay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011340:Problem Solving
keywords: Beliefs; Education; Fear-avoidance; Low back pain; Prevention