“A tool to support, not replace”: patient and general practitioner perceptions of digital decision support tools for back pain

Our findings highlight opportunities to integrate digital decision-support tools at multiple points in GPs' workflows-before, during, and after consultations-to address the needs of both patients with back pain and GPs. When used before consultations, such tools can help patients prepare by increasing their knowledge, supporting more productive discussions, informing decisions about whether a visit is necessary, and assisting GPs in identifying potential red flags. During consultations, the tools can provide clinicians with updates on current evidence and supply educational resources or prescriptions, particularly for evidence-based lifestyle interventions. After consultations, they can support follow-up by monitoring the patient's condition and addressing any persistent questions that may arise.