Hospitalisations for non-specific low back pain in people presenting to South Australian public hospital emergency departments

Objective

The present study sought to investigate predictors of hospitalisation in adults diagnosed with non-specific low back pain (LBP) and/or sciatica from an ED.

Methods

A 5-year, multicentre retrospective observational study was conducted across six public hospitals (metropolitan and regional) using data from electronic medical records. Patient presentations were identified using LBP diagnostic codes and key data extracted (patient demographics, clinical activity, discharge destination). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to measure associations between identified variables and hospitalisation.

Results

There were 11 709 ED presentations across the study period. People aged ≥65 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.61–3.10) and those who arrived at the ED via ambulance (age-adjusted OR 2.68, 95% CI 2.44–2.95) were more likely to be hospitalised. People were also more likely to be hospitalised when triaged as more urgent, when blood tests or advanced spinal imaging were ordered, and when i.v./subcutaneous opioids or oral benzodiazepines were administered. Hospitalisation rates for LBP were lower in regional hospitals, in people residing in lower socioeconomic areas and in Indigenous Australians.

Conclusion

Certain patient characteristics and ED clinical activity are associated with hospitalisations for LBP. Understanding these factors will better inform the design and delivery of appropriate high-quality care.