INSPIRE-PT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Promoting early detection of spinal infection within physiotherapy: A multi-methods qualitative study
IRAS ID
369829
Contact name
Gillian Yeowell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester Metropolitan University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 3 days
Research summary
Spinal infections are rare but serious conditions that can cause long‑term disability or even death if they are not identified early. The first symptom is often back pain, which is extremely common and usually caused by simple musculoskeletal problems. Because of this, early signs of spinal infection can be missed by both patients and healthcare professionals. Delayed diagnosis can lead to prolonged illness, avoidable harm, and distress for patients and families.
Physiotherapists are often the first professionals that people with back pain see, especially in community and primary care settings. However, there are currently no national safety‑netting tools or physiotherapy‑specific resources to help identify when back pain may be caused by a spinal infection. People at higher risk, including those affected by health inequalities, may also face additional barriers to seeking help early.
This study aims to improve the early detection of spinal infection by developing practical safety‑netting tools and a clinical education package for physiotherapists. The research will be carried out across three linked workstreams. First, we will explore the experiences of healthcare professionals and adults who have been diagnosed with spinal infection, to understand barriers to early recognition. Second, we will work with patients, clinicians, and key stakeholders in a series of co‑design workshops to create safety‑netting tools that are acceptable, accessible, and grounded in lived experience. Finally, we will develop and refine an education package for physiotherapists, informed by the findings from the earlier stages.
Adults with lived experience of spinal infection and patient representatives will be involved throughout the project to ensure the tools and resources are relevant and meaningful. The overall aim is to support earlier health‑seeking behaviour, improve clinical suspicion of spinal infection, and ultimately reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0193
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion