632 - Assessing the Efficacy of the Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire (PSOCQ) for Predicting Exercise Adherence and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) Compliance in Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)

Objectives: The PSOCQ uses a four-stage model to assess readiness for patients to participate in pain self-management strategies. This study assessed the efficacy of the PSOCQ in predicting individuals' readiness to adopt changes in their exercise habits and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), namely Oswestry Disability Index and Numeric Pain Rating Scale.

Design: PROMs were collected from a prospective convenience sample aged 18-65, receiving treatment for CLBP at three time points (baseline, 3-months, 6-months). Survey compliance was analyzed. A subset of patients reported exercise adherence during their 3 & 6-month visit using a 5-point Likert scale (0= no adherence and 5= perfect adherence). PSOCQ was collected and scored at all 3 time points. The PSOCQ categories were consolidated into 2 categories, precontemplation (PC) and Contemplation Total (CT) which was comprised of the Action, Maintenance, and Contemplation stages.

Results: Of the 245 patients who agreed to participate, 74% (n=106) were classified as CT. However, most patients were non-compliant with filling out forms even in the CT group (57%, n=139). PSOCQ category did not predict PROMs compliance with filling out the forms (X2=1.58, p=0.21). Exercise adherence at two follow-ups was captured in 48 patients, where 83% (n=40) were classified as CT. Reported exercise adherence did not vary between PSOCQ categories (PC: M=3.3, SE=0.22; CT: M=3.1 SE=0.23, p=0.43).

Conclusions: While the PSOCQ may be useful in assessing self-care management, PSOCQ categories did not show efficacy in predicting PROM compliance or exercise adherence. Treatment compliance is important for successful outcomes in patients suffering with CLBP; having a tool that is able to predict compliance may help to tailor patient education and support programs. Future studies should investigate other readiness for change assessment tools for efficacy in this population.