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GENERAL PRACTICE: Elaine Thomas, Alan J Silman, Peter R Croft, Ann C Papageorgiou, Malcolm I V Jayson, and Gary J Macfarlane Predicting who develops chronic low back pain in primary care: a prospective study BMJ 1999; 318: 1662-1667 [Abstract] [Full text]

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Potential bias

Karen E Upton   (19 June 1999)

Potential bias 19 June 1999
Karen E Upton, G.P. principal Bexleyheath Send response to journal: Re: Potential bias	This is a very interesting study, which could be very useful in practice. However, I wonder if there is any way that you could check if the approx 25%(66 of 246) lost to the full study might have been predominantly those who had a complete quick recovery. Would there be any merrit in checking the computer records in the practices to compare further consultation rates for back pain between those who completed the study and those who did not? I have no competing interests to declare.