Published: 26-03-2018

Using the specialised search filters in the heoro.com database, and importing the results into a custom Evidence Map, we have identified interesting patterns of use for PRO tools assessing head, neck and back pain.

We ran the search from 1960 to 8^th January 2018 and analysed the abstracts identified by the search to determine the range of geographical locations, disease types, interventions and study methodologies.

Using an evidence map to present the findings we were able to easily explore the results. Examples are shown below, and to download a free copy of the map click here.  To use the Map, open it in Microsoft Excel and enable macros.

The search identified 421 independent abstracts with 49 relevant PRO tools (listed below with a count of the abstracts that reported using the tool).

Although we found a large sample of studies using over 50 different PRO tools, the majority of the abstracts mentioned only a small sub-set of the tools, and 140 of the 421 studies were conducted in the USA.

Finally, a high proportion of the studies were randomised clinical trials, however these were mostly concerned with general complaints of low back pain and neck pain. Scoliosis was also commonly mentioned, however most of these studies were observational.

 You can download a free copy of the Evidence Map here.

Written and Created by Cassie Springate

Researcher at Crystallise