Implementation of a ‘virtual hospital’ model of care for low back pain 

The Back@Home trial is an innovative project aimed at reducing avoidable hospital admissions and length of stay for low back pain while ensuring high-quality care and outcomes. The project seeks to implement the 'rpavirtual' model of care to avoid unnecessary low back pain admissions to hospital wards and reduce the length of stay across the Sydney Local Health District. 

The project involves several key components: 

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• Conducting an audit of inpatient management of low back pain to identify current practices and areas for improvement. 

• Conducting semi-structured interviews with clinicians and patients to gain insights into current inpatient management practices and experiences. 

• Adapting the existing ACI model of care for acute low back pain to a 'virtual mode' in partnership with 'rpavirtual'. 

• Testing if the 'virtual hospital' model can be an alternative to inpatient admission for low back pain. 

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The 'rpavirtual' model of care allows patients to receive care remotely in their own homes, reducing the need for hospital admissions and potentially improving patient satisfaction and outcomes. Preliminary findings suggest that this model of care is a safe, acceptable, and feasible alternative to hospitalization for non-serious low back pain in a select cohort of patients meeting inclusion criteria. 

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By evaluating the effectiveness of the 'virtual hospital' model, the Back@Home trial aims to improve patient care, reduce unnecessary medical interventions, and optimize the use of healthcare resources in Australian hospitals. 

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This project has received funding from Lifespan Research Network, University of Sydney and HCF Research Foundation. 

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For more information about this project please contact: Dr Gustavo Machado gustavo.machado@sydney.edu.au 

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