Many people with spinal disorders have comorbid health problems and chronic disease risks. For example, meta-analyses have found strong associations between back pain and obesity, smoking, inactivity, alcohol misuse and mental health problems. This information gives rise to a broader prognostic context of back pain, one that suggests targeting health risk factors in patients with back pain should be an important aspect of care. Despite this, many patients with spinal pain and comorbid health risks do not receive care to address their broader health needs.
Implementing a broader context of care for spinal pain fits within an integrated care framework. ‘Integrated care should aim to provide care in a way that reflects the whole of a person’s health needs; from prevention through to end of life, across both physical and mental health, and in partnership with the individual, their carers and family.’ Integrated care should provide more systematic coordination of healthcare to produce the best outcomes for people with multiple healthcare needs.
Currently many major health systems are prioritising integrated care. Despite the focus, integrated care is largely absent from the coalface of healthcare. This talk will aim to unpick what integrated care is, why we should embrace it and the challenges to optimising integrated care. I will draw on our recent research to highlight practical avenues for integrated care programs that have true meaning to patient outcomes.