STarT Back Screening Tool (SBST) : Low back pain

The STarT Back Screening Tool (SBST) is a validated instrument designed to stratify patients with low back pain into different risk categories for developing chronic pain. Developed by researchers at Keele University in the United Kingdom, the tool aims to enhance the management of back pain in primary care by tailoring treatment approaches to individual patient needs based on their risk profile.

The STarT Back Tool was introduced in 2008 as a result of extensive research led by Jonathan C. Hill and colleagues at Keele University. The development process involved a rigorous analysis of clinical data and patient outcomes to identify key physical and psychosocial factors that contribute to the chronicity of back pain. The goal was to create a concise, reliable, and easy-to-use screening tool that could be implemented in primary care settings without requiring extensive training or resources.

Aims of the STarT Back Tool

The primary aim of the STarT Back Tool is to improve the management and outcomes of patients with low back pain by:

1. Identifying Risk Levels: The tool categorizes patients into low, medium, or high risk for developing chronic back pain, allowing clinicians to tailor their management strategies accordingly.
2. Facilitating Targeted Interventions: By...