Perceptions of provider communication and patient satisfaction for treatment of acute low back pain

We sought to assess the relationship between perceptions of provider communication and treatment satisfaction for acute, work-related low-back pain (LBP). Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 544 working adults (67% men) with acute LBP provided 1- and 3-month assessments of pain, function, and work status. Results: In a multiple regression analysis, positive provider communication (took problem seriously, explained condition clearly, tried to understand my job, advised to prevent re-injury) explained more variation in patient satisfaction at 1 month than was explained by clinical improvements in pain and function. At 3 months, clinical improvement variables surpassed provider communication as predictors of patient satisfaction. Conclusions: Patients with work-related LBP place a high value on provider counseling and education, especially during the acute stage (< 1 month) of treatment.