Sample Call for Proposals Submission - National Commission on Correctional Health Care
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Sample Call for Proposals Submission

Educational Session

Title Imaging Studies for Low Back Pain

Summary This presentation addresses the significance of precise diagnosis of low back pain. The presentation will discuss the general indications and the typical criteria for authorization of low back pain imaging. We will cover unique challenges and considerations related to low back imaging for incarcerated patients, including the disparity between offsite vs in-facility imaging capabilities, determining the level of urgency for imaging studies, ensuring timely access to imaging, and tips for effectively communicating with community hospital radiologists about imaging study results.

Abstract  This presentation aims to address the significance of precise diagnosis of low back pain in the incarcerated population, highlighting the available imaging studies its evaluation. Indications for imaging studies will be examined, including the differentiation between acute and chronic low back pain, as well as red flags in the medical history and physical examination that may suggest a need for imaging. The presentation will discuss the general indications and the typical healthcare payor criteria for prior authorization of low back pain imaging. Imaging modalities to be discussed include radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, as well as emerging and experimental modalities, with an examination of the advantages and disadvantages of each. Additionally, the presentation will delve into red flags sometimes seen in low back imaging, and the importance of considering such findings in diagnosis and management, along with case illustrations. Clinical correlation of imaging reports will be explored, highlighting the importance of history and exam findings in fully interpreting imaging studies, and the role of both the primary provider and radiologist in such correlation. We will cover unique challenges and considerations related to low back imaging for incarcerated patients, including the disparity between offsite vs in-facility imaging capabilities, determining the level of urgency for imaging studies, ensuring timely access to imaging, and tips for effectively communicating with community hospital radiologists about imaging study results. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of future directions in the imaging of low back pain in this population and a question-and-answer session.

Learning Objectives

  1. Explain the importance of accurate diagnosis of low back pain in the incarcerated population
  2. Discuss the different types of imaging studies available for low back pain, including radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and emerging modalities
  3. Describe the unique challenges and considerations related to low back imaging for incarcerated patients
References

Non-specific low back pain: a homogeneous condition?
Maher C, Underwood M, Buchbinder R.
Arthritis Research & Therapy 2016 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27745712/

Low back pain: a major global challenge.
Authors: Hoy D, March L, Brooks P, et al.
The Lancet 2014  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29573869/

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Primary Care: An Updated Overview.
Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, et al.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2017  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29971708/

Other Be prepared to enter primary/secondary topics, skill level,  whether there is vendor support, and requested length.

Research Presentation

Title Patient Education Materials for Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Summary This presentation addresses the significance of precise diagnosis of low back pain. The presentation will discuss the general indications and the typical criteria for authorization of low back pain imaging. We will cover unique challenges and considerations related to low back imaging for incarcerated patients, including the disparity between off-site vs in-facility imaging capabilities, determining the level of urgency for imaging studies, ensuring timely access to imaging, and tips for effectively communicating with community hospital radiologists about imaging study results.

Abstract Patient education materials (PEMs) are recommended for the treatment of low back pain (LBP) and sciatica, but the effectiveness of these materials for incarcerated individuals had not previously been systematically reviewed. This study investigated the impact of PEMs on process, clinical, and health system outcomes for LBP and sciatica in the incarcerated population. The study was conducted using systematic searches in various databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE. We included randomized controlled trials of PEMs for LBP. The data was extracted, evaluated for risk of bias, and graded for quality of evidence by two independent reviewers.

The study found 27 studies that were relevant to the investigation of the effectiveness of PEMs. The results showed that PEMs led to moderate to low-quality improvements in pain intensity, disability, and satisfaction with care compared to usual care in the immediate and short-term, but this effect was not sustained over the medium and long-term follow-up. This session will discuss the results in detail.

This session will discuss how PEMs may have a positive impact on patient outcomes in the immediate and short-term, and may improve patient satisfaction with care. Our study results support the need for PEMs in the treatment of LBP and sciatica in the incarcerated population and should encourage facilities to incorporate PEMs into their clinical workflows. The session will conclude with a discussion of various strategies for the developing PEMs on the topic of LBP that are evidence-based and appropriate for the incarcerated population.

Learning Objectives

  1. List the current guidelines and recommendations for the use of patient education materials (PEMs) in the treatment of low back pain (LBP) and sciatica. 
  2. Describe the results of a systematic review that investigated the impact of PEMs on process, clinical, and health system outcomes for LBP and sciatica in the incarcerated population.
  3. Recognize how to integrate of evidence-based PEMs into the clinical practice within correctional facilities.
References

Non-specific low back pain: a homogeneous condition?
Maher C, Underwood M, Buchbinder R.
Arthritis Research & Therapy 2016 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27745712/

Low back pain: a major global challenge.
Authors: Hoy D, March L, Brooks P, et al.
The Lancet 2014  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29573869/

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Primary Care: An Updated Overview.
Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, et al.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2017  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29971708/

Other Be prepared to enter primary/secondary topics, skill level,  whether there is vendor support, and requested length.

Lightning Talk

Title The Keys to Empowering Patients to Take Control of Their Low Back Pain

Summary  Discover the most effective ways to educate patients about low back pain and how to help them make informed decisions about their treatment. We’ll explore the power of patient educational materials. We’ll delve into how to effectively teach and demonstrate exercises and stretches for low back pain that your patients can do in any type of housing units or rec yards. You will learn how to effectively convey to patients the importance of mindset in managing chronic pain.

Abstract Are you tired of feeling powerless when it comes to helping individuals manage their low back pain within the confines of the criminal justice system? Get ready to be empowered! In this exciting and informative talk, you’ll learn the key to giving your patients the tools they need to take control of their pain.

Discover the most effective ways to educate patients about low back pain and how to help them make informed decisions about their treatment. We’ll explore the power of patient educational materials. We’ll delve into how to effectively teach and demonstrate exercises and stretches for low back pain that your patients can do in any type of housing units or rec yards. You will learn how to effectively convey to patients the importance of mindset in managing chronic pain.

References 

Non-specific low back pain: a homogeneous condition?
Maher C, Underwood M, Buchbinder R.
Arthritis Research & Therapy 2016 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27745712/

Low back pain: a major global challenge.
Authors: Hoy D, March L, Brooks P, et al.
The Lancet 2014  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29573869/

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Primary Care: An Updated Overview.
Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, et al.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2017  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29971708/

Other Be prepared to enter primary/secondary topics, skill level,  and whether there is vendor support.

Roundtable Discussion

Title Imaging Studies for Low Back Pain

Summary This presentation addresses the significance of precise diagnosis of low back pain. The discussion will cover the general indications and the typical criteria for authorization of low back pain imaging. We will cover unique challenges and considerations related to low back imaging for incarcerated patients, including the disparity between offsite vs in-facility imaging capabilities, determining the level of urgency for imaging studies, ensuring timely access to imaging, and tips for effectively communicating with community hospital radiologists about imaging study results.

Abstract This discussion aims to address the significance of precise diagnosis of low back pain in the incarcerated population, highlighting the available imaging studies its evaluation. Topics for consideration include Indications for imaging studies; typical healthcare payor criteria for prior authorization; imaging modalities; and red flags. We will cover unique challenges and considerations related to low back imaging for incarcerated patients, including the disparity between offsite vs in-facility imaging capabilities, determining the level of urgency for imaging studies, ensuring timely access to imaging, and tips for effectively communicating with community hospital radiologists about imaging study results. 

References

Non-specific low back pain: a homogeneous condition?
Maher C, Underwood M, Buchbinder R.
Arthritis Research & Therapy 2016 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27745712/

Low back pain: a major global challenge.
Authors: Hoy D, March L, Brooks P, et al.
The Lancet 2014  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29573869/

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Primary Care: An Updated Overview.
Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, et al.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2017  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29971708/

Other Be prepared to enter primary/secondary topics, skill level,  and whether there is vendor support.

 

Poster

Title Impact of Core Strengthening Exercises on Opioid Use in Inmates with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Summary Our study results suggest that core strengthening and stabilizing exercises can have a significant clinical impact on the need for opioid pain relief in incarcerated chronic low back pain patients. This study provides further evidence for the potential benefits of low-cost, non-pharmacological interventions for CLBP and highlights the importance of considering conservative treatments. Further research is needed to establish the optimal duration and intensity of the interventions studied.

Abstract Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a complex disorder that leads to both physical and psychosocial impairments. Challenges posed by CLBP are exacerbated in the incarcerated population, where limited healthcare resources and high costs can pose barriers to effective treatment. Currently, there is no universally accepted clinical practice for the management of CLBP. We sought to determine the effect of conservative measures on the need for medication in incarcerated patients with CLBP.

The study was a 60-day, quasi-experimental intervention, conducted in a California correctional facility. A sample of 51 patients with a diagnosis of CLBP participated in the study. The intervention consisted of daily core strengthening and stabilizing exercises, performed in conjunction with a gradual reduction in the daily prescribed dosage of opioid pain relief medications. The primary outcome measure was the daily prescribed dosage of opioid medication, which was tracked throughout the intervention period.

The data was analyzed using a two-tailed t-test to compare the mean daily prescribed dosage of opioid pain relief medication at baseline and at the end of the 60-day intervention period. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in the mean daily prescribed dosage of opioids at the end of the intervention period (p < 0.05). Specifically, the mean daily dosage decreased from an average of 60 mg at baseline to 40 mg at the end of the intervention period.

These results suggest that core strengthening and stabilizing exercises can have a significant clinical impact on the need for opioid pain relief in CLBP patients in the incarcerated population. This study provides further evidence for the potential benefits of low-cost, non-pharmacological interventions for CLBP and highlights the importance of considering conservative treatments for CLBP in the incarcerated population. Further research is needed to establish the optimal duration and intensity of the interventions studied.

References

Non-specific low back pain: a homogeneous condition?
Maher C, Underwood M, Buchbinder R.
Arthritis Research & Therapy 2016 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27745712/

Low back pain: a major global challenge.
Authors: Hoy D, March L, Brooks P, et al.
The Lancet 2014  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29573869/

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Primary Care: An Updated Overview.
Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, et al.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2017  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29971708/

Other Be prepared to enter primary/secondary topics  and whether there is vendor support.

Questions? Please contact [email protected].