GLA:D Back pain webinars 2024

Project Partners

Physician Learning Program (PLP)

Office of Lifelong Learning (L3)

Alberta Back Care pathway (ABCp)

GLA:D® Back Program

Led by Dr. Greg Kawchuk

Background

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit their doctor and can significantly affect quality of life, work productivity, and mental health. Chronic or recurring cases are particularly difficult to manage. Opioid reliance is a concern, and while physiotherapy is an effective option, access is often limited. Additionally, family physicians may lack the time or training to provide comprehensive, non-pharmacologic care. To address these gaps, PLP, L3, and the ABCp partnered to introduce the GLA:D® Back program to Alberta.

Aims/Objectives

Introduce the GLA:D® Back program to Alberta primary care settings

Provide physicians and PCNs with evidence-based alternatives to opioid treatment

Improve management of chronic or recurring lower back pain

Equip healthcare teams with tools and strategies to reduce disability and reliance on medications

Facilitate knowledge translation through webinars and training sessions

Findings/Summary

To support the implementation of the GLA:D® Back program, PLP and L3 co-hosted two educational webinars during the GLA:D® Back Training Weekends (October 5, 2024, and March 1, 2025). These webinars featured global experts in back pain care, including Dr. Jan Hartvigsen and Dr. Alice Kongsted, and were attended by 33 participants, including 14 physicians. Sessions focused on the latest research, the structure and benefits of the GLA:D® program, and its ability to improve patient outcomes by reducing pain and disability while minimizing reliance on opioids or surgical interventions. The events helped introduce the program across Alberta’s PCNs and prepared teams for implementation.

Conclusions/Outcomes/Impact/Implications

The GLA:D® Back webinars successfully laid the groundwork for broader adoption of a research-based, non-pharmacologic approach to managing lower back pain in Alberta. Participants left with increased awareness and practical tools to better support patients. The sessions contributed to shifting practice norms toward more sustainable, evidence-informed care pathways and away from opioid dependence, enhancing both provider knowledge and patient outcomes.