BACK INJURY

Discussion Points

Objective: Develop population-based indicators that are sensitive to changes in either health status and or quality of life. The measurement may result in changes such as reduced workers compensation costs, policy or practice.

Any indicator that is agreed to by the panel must be measurable. Data are either collected or can be collected in the future.

A large volume of pertinent literature was reviewed in preparation for this discussion. The key points were summarized and sent out for the Panel's review. Various authors defined a number of suggested outcome and process measures. Those are listed below. We can consider those in our discussion.

Outcome Measures:

	Length of Disability
	Cumulative time on temporary disability
	Work status post injury
	Costs
	Functional Status (ADL)

Process Measures:

	Imaging (x-ray, CT, MRI)
	Specialty referrals
	Medication prescriptions
	Physical Therapy
	Surgery
	Improvement in Pain