IS VIDEO ANALYSIS OF CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS IN TREATMENT TRIALS VALUABLE?
R Mullis; K Dziedzic; M Lewis; V Cooper; C Main; P Watson; and E Hay Primary Care Sciences Research Centre, Keele University, Staffs, UK. Purpose of the study: To investigate whether video analysis, in addition to self-reported paper audit, could elucidate expected differences in the content of two interventions. Background: We have completed a randomised clinical trial comparing two types of physiotherapy for subacute low back pain (“hands on” physiotherapy versus a pain management programme). An essential component in conducting clinical trials is to audit the interventions to check for compliance with the protocol. We use two approached: • self complete proforma • video recording. Methods: i) Treatment content was recorded on a proforma by the physiotherapists after each session. ii) A check-list of treatment modalities was constructed from this proforma. Twelve sessions were recorded on video (one new and one review patient for each therapist). The recordings were rated by 3 blinde
