STarT Back Screening Tool
Learn more about the STarT Back Screening Tool and get access to a free printable PDF with an example of how to use it.
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What is the Keele STarT Back Screening Tool?
Low back pain is a common yet often debilitating condition that affects individuals of all ages. It can present as an acute or chronic condition, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common causes of low back pain include muscle strain, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and osteoarthritis. Other causes may include poor posture, obesity, trauma, and various medical conditions.
The is designed to help healthcare providers identify the risk of persistent pain and disability in individuals with low back pain. The assessment is designed to evaluate a patient’s risk factors and help predict how likely they are to have persistent pain and disability. Providers can then use this information to develop an appropriate treatment plan for each individual’s condition and help them manage their pain and disability effectively.
Printable STarT Back Screening Tool
Download this STarT Back Screening Tool to assess patients with lower back pain.
How does this STarT Back Tool work?
The STarT Back Tool is a 9-item questionnaire that assesses a patient’s risk factors for persistent pain and disability related to low back pain. Here's how to use the template:
Step One: Access the assessment tool
Get a copy of the free STarT Back Tool using the link provided on this page. You can also download it from the Carepatron app or our extensive resources library.
Step Two: Explain the test to your patient
Explain the purpose of the assessment to your patient. Ensure they understand that it is a short questionnaire and that their answers are confidential.
Step Three: Administer the tool
Administer the assessment tool to your patient. Have them answer each question as accurately and honestly as possible. Then, tally their test score before analyzing the results.
Step Four: Evaluate the patient’s results
Evaluate your patient's results and determine the severity of their condition. A score of less than 3 indicates low risk. Meanwhile, a score of 4 or more indicates a high risk for low back pain.
STarT Back Tool Scoring
The STarT Back Tool is used to determine risk in patients with low back pain. It helps practitioners identify the appropriate treatment for their patients based on their risk levels. A score of 0-3 indicates low risk, and 4 or higher is high risk.
High risk is also determined using the distress scale or the last five items of the questionnaire (Q5-9). The distress scale ranges from 0 to 5, with 5 being the highest.
It is important to note that the STarT Back Tool is not intended to replace a diagnosis or assessment but can be used as an additional tool in determining a patient’s risk level.
STarT Back Tool example (sample)
We have designed a STarT Back Tool PDF example illustrating how to score the questionnaire and analyze your patient’s low back pain. You can view the sample here or download it as a PDF for reference.
Download the free STarT Back Tool example (sample)
When to use this STarT Back assessment?
The STarT Back Tool is most effective when used at the beginning of treatment. You may also administer this treatment to:
Identify patients at risk of back pain
You can use this exam to identify potential risk factors and prevention strategies for back pain. You can also use it to assess if your patient will likely experience long-term or chronic back pain.
Track treatment progress
The STarT Back Tool is a great way to track the progress of a patient’s treatment over time. It provides valuable information that can be used to adjust treatments and evaluate their effectiveness.
Monitor patient outcomes
The STarT Back Tool can help you monitor your patient’s progress and ensure they receive the best care possible. You can use it to identify any changes in their condition and potential areas needing improvement.
Benefits of free STarT Back Screening Tool
This free STarT Back Screening Tool can help assess patients with back-related issues. Here are some of its benefits:
Quick assessment
This exam is a quick and easy way to assess patients for low back pain. You can score patients in just a few minutes, and the results can be used to further inform treatment plans.
Accuracy
The STarT Back Tool has been tested and validated to ensure its accuracy. You can trust the results it provides for your patients.
Easy to use
This assessment is designed with simplicity in mind and can be used by anyone with minimal training. You don't need to read complicated instructions before using the tool.
Fully digital
You can access this template from your computer or mobile device anytime. This makes it easy to use in various settings and ensures the results are immediately available.
Why use this STarT Back Screening app?
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Our intuitive software delivers real-time tracking of appointments, patient records, billing, and more, so you can focus on providing your patients with the exceptional care they deserve. With Carepatron's streamlined workflow, you can easily keep track of patient information and streamline administrative tasks with just a few clicks. Plus, our easy-to-use interface lets your entire team stay connected and on the same page with up-to-date patient information.
No matter your practice size, Carepatron's comprehensive features ensure that your team can stay organized and efficient. Plus, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing all your data is securely stored and backed up. Our secure cloud infrastructure prevents unauthorized access and ensures your patient data is kept confidential while providing real-time assistance so you can get answers quickly.
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Commonly asked questions
Keele University developed the STarT Back Screening Tool to assess the risk of developing chronic back pain. The tool is based on evidence-based research and has been tested in clinical trials to ensure accuracy and reliability.
The STarT Back Screening Tool is used to evaluate an individual’s risk of developing chronic back pain. It helps identify individuals at greatest risk so they can receive more targeted care, allowing for quicker recovery. It also helps develop individual treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
The STarT Back Screening Tool is scored from 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating an increased risk of developing chronic back pain. Each of the nine items is scored from 0 to 1, depending on the individual’s responses to questions.
The STarT Back Screening Tool is typically used in primary care settings, such as doctor’s offices or physical therapy clinics. It can be used to assess a patient's risk of developing back-related problems.
