Biography
Dr Hill qualified as a physiotherapist at Manchester Royal Infirmary in 1994, where he stayed on to complete an MSc in Physiotherapy in 1995. His clinical career was undertaken in Withington, Stoke-on-Trent, India, Australia and Derby. He began working as a research physiotherapist in 1999 at the Primary Care Centre in Keele University, where he also completed his PhD in 2007, developing and validating the STarT Back Tool, developing the matched treatments and conducting a pilot trial of the approach. He was then awarded a 5-year post-doc fellowship as an Arthritis Research UK Lecturer in Physiotherapy in order to conduct a full trial of the STarT Back approach for back pain. The trial demonstrated that using a prognostic based decision support tool alongside recommended matched treatment options, could significantly improve health outcomes for patients and was a rationale method of improving healthcare efficiency as well. Jonathan has since become well-known internationally for his research to improve the treatment of people with musculoskeletal conditions and is now leading 3 distinct work streams in this field. The first is exploring whether stratified care can be extended to other common musculoskeletal conditions (STarT MSK), the second is testing a range of innovative digital health platforms to support the care of people with musculoskeletal problems (such as the Back-UP project), and the third is looking to improve the quality of care through better measurement and benchmarking of musculoskeletal services (such as the MSK-Tracker project).
Research and scholarship
Dr Hill is currently leading 4 funded research projects at Keele including:
- the STarT MSK trial (keele.ac.uk/startmsk/)
- the Back-UP project (backup-project.eu/)
- the MSK-Tracker project (https://www.keele.ac.uk/pcsc/research/researchthemes/musculoskeletalpainandstratifiedcare/msktracker/)
- the Supportback2 trial (as local lead) which is led by Dr Adam Geraghty in Southampton (https://www.southampton.ac.uk/medicine/academic_units/projects/supportback2.page)
He is also leading Keele’s research on:
- the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (www.keele.ac.uk/pchs/implementingourresearch/makinganimpact/musculoskeletalpain/msk-hqhealthquestionnaire/), which is a validated outcome measure that can be used across MSK conditions and settings.
- The STarT MSK Tool Clinical Version (keele.ac.uk/startmsk/)
He is Co-chair the Spinal Pain and Sciatica Research Group at Keele and supports post-doctoral staff within the Research Institute of Primary Care and Health Sciences at Keele. He has led and contributed to over 85 peer reviewed publications (including in The Lancet & BMJ) and supervised 2 PhD students to successful completion with 2 further PhD students in progress.
Teaching
Dr Hill has experience as a physiotherapy educator and in MSc module development. He currently teaches medical students and physiotherapists, along with supervising student research projects. Specific courses at Keele he is involved with include: the Research Methods Module for the Faculty of Health, the Keele Prognosis Short Course, the STarT Back high risk training course, the Keele Clinical Trials short course, and the Management of complex pain for medical students.
Further information
Link to the STarT Back website (https://startback.hfac.keele.ac.uk/ )
Selected Publications
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Evidence-based treatment recommendations for neck and low back pain across Europe: A systematic review of guidelines. Eur J Pain. link> doi> full text>2020.
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Stratified versus usual care for the management of primary care patients with sciatica: the SCOPiC RCT. Health Technol Assess, vol. 24(49), 1-130. link> doi> full text>2020.
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German translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire: cohort study. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. link> doi> link> full text>2020.
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Risk-stratified and stepped models of care for back pain and osteoarthritis: are we heading towards a common model?. PAIN Reports, vol. 5(5), e843. link> doi> link> full text>2020.
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Supporting self-management of low back pain with an internet intervention in primary care: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial of clinical and cost-effectiveness (SupportBack 2). BMJ Open, vol. 10(8), e040543. link> doi> link> full text>2020.
Full Publications List show
Journal Articles
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Evidence-based treatment recommendations for neck and low back pain across Europe: A systematic review of guidelines. Eur J Pain. link> doi> full text>2020.
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Stratified versus usual care for the management of primary care patients with sciatica: the SCOPiC RCT. Health Technol Assess, vol. 24(49), 1-130. link> doi> full text>2020.
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German translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire: cohort study. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. link> doi> link> full text>2020.
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Risk-stratified and stepped models of care for back pain and osteoarthritis: are we heading towards a common model?. PAIN Reports, vol. 5(5), e843. link> doi> link> full text>2020.
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Supporting self-management of low back pain with an internet intervention in primary care: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial of clinical and cost-effectiveness (SupportBack 2). BMJ Open, vol. 10(8), e040543. link> doi> link> full text>2020.
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Validation of the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) in primary care patients with musculoskeletal pain. Semin Arthritis Rheum, vol. 50(5), 813-820. link> doi> full text>2020.
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Stratified care versus usual care for management of patients presenting with sciatica in primary care (SCOPiC): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet Rheumatol, vol. 2(7), e401-e411. link> doi> full text>2020.
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Measurement properties of the musculoskeletal health questionnaire (MSK-HQ): a between country comparison. Health Qual Life Outcomes, vol. 18(1), 200. link> doi> full text>2020.
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Measurement properties of the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ): a between country comparison. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, vol. 18, Article 200. link> doi> link> full text>2020.
- 2020.
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STarT back tool retained its predicting abilities in patients with acute and sub-acute low back pain after a transcultural adaptation and validation to Hebrew. Musculoskelet Sci Pract, vol. 46, 102134. link> doi> full text>2020.
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Stratified primary care versus non-stratified care for musculoskeletal pain: findings from the STarT MSK feasibility and pilot cluster randomized controlled trial. BMC Fam Pract, vol. 21(1), 30. link> doi> full text>2020.
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Stratified primary care versus non-stratified care for musculoskeletal pain: qualitative findings from the STarT MSK feasibility and pilot cluster randomized controlled trial. BMC Fam Pract, vol. 21(1), 31. link> doi> full text>2020.
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Costing Methodology and Key Drivers of Health Care Costs Within Economic Analyses in Musculoskeletal Community and Primary Care Services: A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Prim Care Community Health, vol. 11, 2150132719899763. link> doi> full text>2020.
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Association of STarT Back Tool and the short form of the Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire with multidimensional risk factors. Sci Rep, vol. 10(1), 290. link> doi> full text>2020.
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Exploring Patients' Experiences of Internet-Based Self-Management Support for Low Back Pain in Primary Care. Pain Med, vol. 21(9), 1806-1817. link> doi> full text>2020.
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Determining responsiveness and meaningful changes for the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) for use across musculoskeletal care pathways. BMJ Open, vol. 9(10), e025357. link> doi> full text>2019.
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Predictors of functional outcome in musculoskeletal healthcare: An umbrella review. Eur J Pain, vol. 24(1), 51-70. link> doi> full text>2020.
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Subgrouping patients with sciatica in primary care for matched care pathways: development of a subgrouping algorithm. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, vol. 20(1), 313. link> doi> full text>2019.
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Matching treatment options for risk sub-groups in musculoskeletal pain: a consensus groups study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, vol. 20(1), 271. link> doi> full text>2019.
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A conceptual framework for increasing clinical staff member involvement in general practice: a proposed strategy to improve the management of low back pain. BMC Fam Pract, vol. 20(1), 30. link> doi> full text>2019.
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Development and validation of a pain monitoring app for patients with musculoskeletal conditions (The Keele pain recorder feasibility study). BMC Med Inform Decis Mak, vol. 19(1), 24. link> doi> full text>2019.
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Can the STarT Back Tool predict health-related quality of life and work ability after an acute/subacute episode with back or neck pain? A psychometric validation study in primary care. BMJ Open, vol. 8(12), e021748. link> doi> full text>2018.
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Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the STarT Back Tool for Arabic speaking adults with low back pain in Saudi Arabia. J Orthop Sci, vol. 24(2), 200-206. link> doi> full text>2019.
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Models used for case-mix adjustment of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in musculoskeletal healthcare: A systematic review of the literature. Physiotherapy, vol. 105(2), 137-146. link> doi> full text>2019.
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A multi-modal recruitment strategy using social media and internet-mediated methods to recruit a multidisciplinary, international sample of clinicians to an online research study. PLoS One, vol. 13(7), e0200184. link> doi> full text>2018.
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Advancing practice for back pain through stratified care (STarT Back). Braz J Phys Ther, vol. 22(4), 255-264. link> doi> full text>2018.
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The effectiveness of a stratified care model for non-specific low back pain in Danish primary care compared to current practice: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial. Trials, vol. 19(1), 315. link> doi> full text>2018.
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Effect of Low Back Pain Risk-Stratification Strategy on Patient Outcomes and Care Processes: the MATCH Randomized Trial in Primary Care. J Gen Intern Med, vol. 33(8), 1324-1336. link> doi> full text>2018.
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Physiotherapists' views of implementing a stratified treatment approach for patients with low back pain in Germany: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res, vol. 18(1), 214. link> doi> full text>2018.
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The predictive ability of the STarT Back Tool was limited in people with chronic low back pain: a prospective cohort study. J Physiother, vol. 64(2), 107-113. link> doi> full text>2018.
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Using an internet intervention to support self-management of low back pain in primary care: findings from a randomised controlled feasibility trial (SupportBack). BMJ Open, vol. 8(3), e016768. link> doi> full text>2018.
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Determining the impact of a new physiotherapist-led primary care model for back pain: protocol for a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial. Trials, vol. 18(1), 526. link> doi> full text>2017.
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Testing a Model of Consultation-based Reassurance and Back Pain Outcomes With Psychological Risk as Moderator: A Prospective Cohort Study. Clin J Pain, vol. 34(4), 339-348. link> doi> full text>2018.
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Effective treatment options for musculoskeletal pain in primary care: A systematic overview of current evidence. PLoS One, vol. 12(6), e0178621. link> doi> full text>2017.
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The clinical and cost-effectiveness of stratified care for patients with sciatica: the SCOPiC randomised controlled trial protocol (ISRCTN75449581). BMC Musculoskelet Disord, vol. 18(1), 172. link> doi> full text>2017.
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Comparison of the Swedish STarT Back Screening Tool and the Short Form of the Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire in patients with acute or subacute back and neck pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, vol. 18(1), 89. link> doi> full text>2017.
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Construct and discriminant validity of STarT Back Screening Tool - Brazilian version. Braz J Phys Ther, vol. 21(1), 69-73. link> doi> full text>2017.
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Portuguese translation, cross-cultural adaptation and reliability of the questionnaire «Start Back Screening Tool» (SBST). Acta Reumatol Port, vol. 42(1), 38-46. link>2017.
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Mediators of Treatment Effect in the Back In Action Trial: Using Latent Growth Modeling to Take Change Over Time Into Account. Clin J Pain, vol. 33(9), 811-819. link> doi> full text>2017.
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PMS74 - Development of the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) for Use in Different Conditions and Different Healthcare Pathways. Value in Health, vol. 19(7), 544. doi> link> full text>2016.
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Identifying Treatment Effect Modifiers in the STarT Back Trial: A Secondary Analysis. J Pain, vol. 18(1), 54-65. link> doi> full text>2017.
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Does a modified STarT Back Tool predict outcome with a broader group of musculoskeletal patients than back pain? A secondary analysis of cohort data. BMJ Open, vol. 6(10), e012445. link> doi> full text>2016.
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Keele Aches and Pains Study protocol: validity, acceptability, and feasibility of the Keele STarT MSK tool for subgrouping musculoskeletal patients in primary care. J Pain Res, vol. 9, 807-818. link> doi> full text>2016.
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General Practitioners' and patients' perceptions towards stratified care: a theory informed investigation. BMC Fam Pract, vol. 17(1), 125. link> doi> full text>2016.
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Evaluation of a risk-stratification strategy to improve primary care for low back pain: the MATCH cluster randomized trial protocol. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, vol. 17(1), 361. link> doi> full text>2016.
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Exploring What Factors Mediate Treatment Effect: Example of the STarT Back Study High-Risk Intervention. J Pain, vol. 17(11), 1237-1245. link> doi> full text>2016.
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Development and initial cohort validation of the Arthritis Research UK Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) for use across musculoskeletal care pathways. BMJ Open, vol. 6(8), e012331. link> doi> full text>2016.
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German physiotherapists' views on a single appointment for low-risk patients within the start-back approach. Manual Therapy, vol. 25, e150. doi>2016.
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Portuguese translation, cross-cultural adaptation and reliability of the questionnaire. Actareumatologica, Article AO160134.
- 2016.
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Are Small Effects for Back Pain Interventions Really Surprising?. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, vol. 46(5), 317-319. link> doi> full text>2016.
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Validation of the German version of the STarT-Back Tool (STarT-G): a cohort study with patients from primary care practices. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, vol. 16, 346. link> doi> full text>2015.
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General Practitioners Views of Implementing a Stratified Treatment Approach for Low Back Pain in Germany: A Qualitative Study. PLoS One, vol. 10(8), e0136119. link> doi> full text>2015.
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Pediatric Pain Screening Tool: rapid identification of risk in youth with pain complaints. Pain, vol. 156(8), 1511-1518. link> doi> full text>2015.
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Using an internet intervention to support self-management of low back pain in primary care: protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial (SupportBack). BMJ Open, vol. 5(9), e009524. link> doi> full text>2015.
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General Practitioners Views of Implementing a Stratified Treatment Approach for Low Back Pain in Germany: A Qualitative Study. PLoS One. doi> full text>2015.
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German Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the STarT Back Screening Tool. PLoS One, vol. 10(7), e0132068. link> doi> full text>2015.
- 2015.
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Development and Validation of the Keele Musculoskeletal Patient Reported Outcome Measure (MSK-PROM). PLoS One, vol. 10(4), e0124557. link> doi> full text>2015.
- 2014.
- 2014.
- 2014.
- 2014.
- 2014.
- 2013.
- 2013.
- 2012.
- 2012.
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Translation validation of a new back screening questionnaire (the STarT back screening tool) in French. Archives of Public Health, vol. 70(12). doi>2012.
- 2012.
- 2013.
- 2012.
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Exploring the cost-utility of stratified primary care management for low back pain compared with current best practice with risk defined subgroups. Ann Rheum Dis, vol. 71(11), 1796-1802. doi>2012.
- 2011.
- 2011.
- 2011.
- 2011.
- 2011.
- 2012.
- 2011.
- 2011.
- 2010.
- 2011.
- 2010.
- 2009.
- 2010.
- 2009.
- 2010.
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A randomized trial of behavioral physical therapy interventions for acute and sub-acute low back pain, by George SZ et al. Pain, vol. 142, 164.2009.
- 2008.
- 2008.
- 2008.
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A randomised clinical trial of subgrouping and targeted treatment for low back pain compared with best current care. The STarT Back Trial Study Protocol. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, vol. 9, 58. link> doi> full text>2008.
- 2007.
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Acupuncture as an adjunct to exercise based physiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: randomised controlled trial. BMJ, vol. 335(7617), 436. link> doi> full text>2007.
- 2007.
- 2007.
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The Knee Clinical Assessment Study-CAS(K). A prospective study of knee pain and knee osteoarthritis in the general population: baseline recruitment and retention at 18 months. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, vol. 7, 30. link> doi> full text>2006.
- 2006.
- 2005.
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Manual therapy or pulsed shortwave diathermy provide no additional benefit over advice and exercise in the treatment of neck disorders. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies, vol. 10(4), 307-308.2005.
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Meeting the challenges of research governance. Rheumatology, vol. 44(5), 571-572. doi>2005.
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The effectiveness of manual therapy or pulsed shortwave diathermy in addition to exercise & advice for neck disorders: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial in physical therapy clinics. Arthritis & Rheumatism, vol. 53(2), 214-222.2005.
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Is acupuncture a useful adjunct to physiotherapy for older adults with knee pain?: the "acupuncture, physiotherapy and exercise" (APEX) study [ISRCTN88597683]. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, vol. 5, 31. link> doi> full text>2004.
- 2004.
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ISSUES OF GENERALISABILITY IN RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIALS. RHEUMATOLOGY, vol. 43, 86-87. link>2004.
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The Knee Clinical Assessment Study--CAS(K). A prospective study of knee pain and knee osteoarthritis in the general population. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, vol. 5, 4. link> doi> full text>2004.
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Integrated care in practice: Is acupuncture a useful adjunct to physiotherapy for older adults with knee pain? The "Acupuncture, Physiotherapy and Exercise" (APEX) Study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, vol. 31(5).2004.
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Predicting persistent neck pain. Spine, vol. 29(15), 1648-1654. doi>2004.
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Pulsed short-wave diathermy effects on human fibroblast proliferation. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, vol. 83(6), 832-836.2002.
- 2002.
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Prevalence of neck pain in the adult UK population. RHEUMATOLOGY, vol. 40, 147. link>2001.
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Who gets persistent neck pain in the population?. RHEUMATOLOGY, vol. 40, 132. link>2001.
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Computer-Based Stratified Primary Care for Musculoskeletal Consultations Compared With Usual Care: Study Protocol for the STarT MSK Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc, vol. 9(7), e17939. link> doi> full text>2020.
Other
- 2020.
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VALIDATION OF THE MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE (MSK-HQ) IN PATIENTS WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN IN PRIMARY CARE. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 59). link>2020.
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A framework for embedding meaningful Patient and Public Involvement in PROMS development. TRIALS (vol. 20). link>2019.
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Health informatics (HI) innovations in randomised trials and clinical cohorts - Identification, screening, stratified care and data collection during primary care consultations. TRIALS (vol. 20). link>2019.
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Public Involvement in a study to improve patient empowerment in musculoskeletal care using an online health portal: The MSK-Tracker. TRIALS (vol. 20). link>2019.
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REFINEMENT AND VALIDATION OF THE KEELE START MSK TOOL FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN IN PRIMARY CARE. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 56, pp. 119-120). link>2017.
- 2016.
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A CONSENSUS GROUP APPROACH TO AGREEING MATCHED TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN OF PATIENTS STRATIFIED ACCORDING TO PROGNOSTIC RISK. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 55, pp. 80-81). link>2016.
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Effective Treatment Options for Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions: A Rapid Meta-synthesis of Current Best Evidence in Primary Care. Rheumatology, Volume 55, Issue suppl_1, 1 April 2016, Pages i80,. doi> full text>
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START: STRATIFYING BACK PAIN-THE SCIENCE. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 55, p. 24). link>2016.
- 2015.
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DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A MUSCULOSKELETAL PATIENT REPORTED OUTCOME MEASURE. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 53, pp. 76-77). link>2014.
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PRACTITIONER EMPATHY AND MUSCULOSKELETAL PATIENT OUTCOMES IN PRIMARY CARE. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 53, pp. 79-80). link>2014.
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THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF NURSE-LED CARE IN PEOPLE WITH RA. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 52, p. 10). link>2013.
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Cost Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Care for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Multicentre RCT. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM (vol. 64, pp. S736-S737). link>2012.
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CAN WE CHOOSE THE BEST TREATMENT FOR BACK PAIN PATIENTS?. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 51, p. 11). link>2012.
- 2011.
- 2010.
- 2009.
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Acupuncture as an adjunct to exercise based physiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: Randomised controlled trial. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 47, p. II2). link>2008.
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Practical application of the start back screening tool: A pilot study in primary care. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 47, p. II156). link>2008.
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Structured review of primary care back pain classification tools. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 47, p. II153). link>2008.
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Female perceptions of the effects of fibromyalgia on sexual relationships. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 46, pp. I156-I157). link>2007.
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Validation of a new low back pain sub-grouping tool for primary care (the STarTBack tool). RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 45, p. I119). link>2006.
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Startback - Development of a low back pain screening tool. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 44, p. I85). link>2005.
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Clinical guidelines for the physiotherapy management of whiplash associated disorder.2005.
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A survey of the role of the clinical nurse specialist in the UK - Has it changed over the last decade?. ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES (vol. 63, p. 555). link>2004.
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A SURVEY OF PRACTICE IN NURSE LED RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS CLINICS. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 43, p. 154). link>2004.
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PANTHER - Issues of generalisability in randomised clinical trials. Rheumatology.2004.
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PANTHER - Physiotherapists' perceived predictors of outcome in neck pain. Rheumatology.2004.
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PHYSIOTHERAPISTS' PERCEIVED PREDICTORS OF OUTCOME IN NECK PAIN. RHEUMATOLOGY (vol. 43, p. 153). link>2004.
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The effectiveness of manual therapy or pulsed shortwave diathermy in addition to advice and exercise for neck disorders: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial in physiotherapy clinics. ANAESTHESIA (vol. 59, p. 1037). link>2004.
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The effectiveness of manual therapy or pulsed shortwave diathermy in addition to exercise and advice for neck disorders; a pragmatic randomized controlled trial in physical therapy clinics. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM (vol. 48, p. S692). link>2003.