Feasibility of an interactive e-learning module about knowledge, beliefs and attitudes in the management of non-specific low back pain in health care professionals: a pilot study.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal disorders. Despite the availability of clinical guidelines, health care professionals (HCPs) continue to favour a guideline-discordant biomedical approach. Inappropriate beliefs might explain this lack of adherence. Active teaching methods such as interactive e-learning seem effective to change HCPs knowledge. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an interactive e-learning module about knowledge, beliefs and attitudes in the management of LBP. Methods: HCPs (n=22) completed and evaluated the module through an evaluation questionnaire assessing their perceptions about the change in knowledge and beliefs, the content of the module, its structure and presentation, its length and its access. Results were analysed using median or percentages. Changes in beliefs was studied using the Back Pain Attitudes Questionnaire (Back-PAQ) and analysed with paired Student t-test. Results: HCPs were satisfied with the module’s content (73% agreed). In total, 91% indicated that the presentation was attractive and 69% indicated their knowledge improved following the module. The module was structured (91% agreed). Finally, a significant improvement in Back-PAQ scores was observed following the module (p<.05). Conclusion: : The results confirmed the feasibility of the module. It was structured, clear, and complete. It improved participants knowledge and changed their previous beliefs.