Abstracts Health Sciences

Improving outcomes in musculoskeletal condition

by LOUISA CHI-HSUAN CHOU

Musculoskeletal conditions are highly prevalent and a major cause of disability worldwide. Clinical practice guidelines have been developed to manage these conditions, however, an evidence-practice gap exists. This thesis provides a comprehensive exploration of the patients’ perspective to bridge this gap by identifying patients’ perceived needs of health services, health information and non-medical services for the management of common musculoskeletal conditions. This thesis also identified modifiable risk factors for low back pain, the most common musculoskeletal condition. The findings from this thesis have the potential to inform better approaches to the management of musculoskeletal conditions.