Modifying community practice styles: The back pain outcome assessment team information dissemination effort

The Back Pain Outcome Assessment Team's information dissemination effort aims to provide a professional model for translating research findings into more consistent patterns of low back pain care and improved patient outcomes. The model's effectiveness will be evaluated in a randomized community-based trial. Intervention activities have been implemented in five Washington state communities. Strategies included a regional study group of surgeon opinion leaders, local hospital administrator small group meetings, traditional continuing medical education lectures, generalist academic detailing, an interactive videodisc (shared decision-making program) for patients who are surgical candidates, a prospective outcomes tracking system, and the distribution of national practice guidelines. This report describes the study design, methods for involving communities in the change process, the development and implementation of intervention activities, and an evaluation of the process.