Knowledge and Utilization of Red Flags by Physiotherapists in the Assessment and Management of Patients with Low Back Pain

Abstract

Proper diagnosis and effective treatment of low back pain (LBP) by physiotherapists are believed to be enhanced by knowledge and utilization of red flags. This cross-sectional study assessed knowledge and utilization of red flags by physiotherapists in the management of patients with LBP. A total of 50 physiotherapists in Kano State were involved in the study. A modified version of a questionnaire from the Royal College of General Practitioners (1999) was used as a tool for data collection. Data retrieved were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage. The
majority of the physiotherapists 44 (88%) had knowledge of red flags but only 14 (28%) were putting it to good use. A few red flags, such as age of the patient 9 (18%), and history of trauma 8(12%), were more often
documented, while medical history of cancer, HIV status, as well as history of fever were the least documented and by only 1 (2%) physiotherapist.
It was concluded that physiotherapists have adequate knowledge but poor utilization of red flags in their clinical practice.

KEYWORDS: red flags, physiotherapist, low back pain