[Impact of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guideline (NICE) CG88 on LBP Referrals to Acupuncturists]

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Acknowledgement

I would first like to express my gratitude for my research supervisor, colleagues, peers and family whose immense and constant support has been a source of continuous guidance and inspiration.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names & surname here], declare that the following dissertation/thesis and its entire content has been an individual, unaided effort and has not been submitted or published before. Furthermore, it reflects my opinion and take on the topic and is does not represent the opinion of the University.

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Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guideline (NICE) CG88 in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guideline (NICE) CG88 and its impact on Low Back Pain (LBP) Referrals to Acupuncturists. The research also analyzes many aspects of Low Back Pain and tries to gauge its recovery through different therapies and challenges the people faces in future. The study followed the primary research methodology. Finally the research describes various factors which influence the decision of supervisors or the practitioners to refer different therapies and acupuncturists.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Outline of the Study1

Background of the study1

Rationale of the study2

Research Aim & Objective3

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW4

The evidence from current NICE guidance on acupuncture for persistent low back pain4

Investigation of 20097

Identifying the Evidence8

Economic Literature Search Strategy9

Techniques applied in Evaluating Outcomes10

Economic Analysis10

Methods Used to Formulate the Recommendations12

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY14

Research Design14

Purpose of study and choice of research14

Design the sequence of the questions15

Sample Size15

Sampling Method16

Sampling criteria16

Survey Method16

Design of the questionnaire17

Research Philosophy17

CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION19

Acupuncture19

Reflexology19

Osteopathy20

Chiropractic20

Acupuncture and other stimulation techniques20

Critical Appraisal of the Evidence21

Survey Findings22

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION33

REFERENCES35

APPENDIX38

Cover Letter38

Survey questionnaire39

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Outline of the Study

This dissertation aims to research cross-referrals for LBP across all therapies offered within the Polyclinic at the UoW and to find out if there is any impact of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guideline (NICE) CG88 on LBP referrals to acupuncturists. The first chapter provides an introduction to the topic including the purpose and significance of the study. The second chapter presents a review of relevant literature, highlighting the previous research carried out in this field. The third chapter covers the methodology for this study. The analysis of findings and discussion will be presented in the fourth chapter. The fifth chapter will conclude the dissertation, providing implications and useful recommendations for further research.

Background of the study

Back pain or low back pain is a common ailment in modern society that can escalate into chronic or serious conditions if not resolved initially. It is a common cause of absence within the workforce and has a significant impact on the economy, the health sector generally, as well as the individuals concerned and their families (Maniadakis and Gray., 1999). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) (2007a) and Andersson (1999), eighty percent of the global population have experience back pain at some stage in their lives, and the annual cost of direct health ...