Hydrotherapy management of low back pain: a quality improvement project

An audit of 81 patients referred to hydrotherapy for low back pain was carried out over 12 months. The audit recorded response to hydrotherapy in terms of area of pain; intensity of pain; range of motion and ability to perform activities of daily living; treatment frequency and duration; and hydrotherapy program content. Results showed a highly significant beneficial response (t(67) = 9.2, p < 0.001). Changes to the hydrotherapy service resulting from the study include improved documentation; standardised assessment; re-worked hydrotherapy program; and regular assessment of patients within planned time-frames.