Table 1.

Performance indicators to measure guideline adherence among GPs

Performance indicators for LBP	Operationalization
Referral to consultation with medical specialist (neurologist and/or orthopaedist)	Referrals as percentage of total consultations for non-specific LBP per GP, reported separately for both specialists
Referral for diagnostic imaging	Referrals for MRI, x-ray or CT as percentage of total consultations for non-specific LBP per GP, reported separately for every imaging technique
Inquiries about psychosocial risk factors (clinical yellow flags)	Consultations where psychosocial risk factors were discussed and reported, as percentage of total consultations for non-specific LBP per GP
Referral to psychological consultation as indicator for multidisciplinary collaboration	Referrals as percentage of total consultations for non-specific LBP per GP
Inquiries about work-related risk factors (occupational blue flags)	Consultations where occupational risk factors were reported as percentage of total consultations for non-specific LBP per GP
Referral to and/or contact with OP as indicator for multidisciplinary collaboration	Consultations where referral to and/or contact with OP was made as percentage of total consultations for non-specific LBP per GP, reported separately for referral to OP and contact between GP and OP