Provide feedback on clinical practice guidelines in joint patient focus groups: lower back pain on Sept. 15

Courtesy Photo | This initiative aims to learn directly from patients to help shape updates to an existing clinical practice guideline. These guidelines inform treatment across military and veteran communities.  

FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

08.27.2026

Courtesy Story

Defense Health Agency

Are you living with lower back pain? The Defense Health Agency and Veterans Health Administration would like to hear about your treatment experience. Together, they’re hosting a virtual focus group on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. ET. This focus group offers patients the opportunity to provide your perspective on your treatment journey in the Military Health System. It’s open to active duty service members and veterans.

This initiative aims to learn directly from patients to help shape updates to an existing clinical practice guideline. These guidelines inform treatment across military and veteran communities.

“Your input can help make sure that this clinical practice guideline accurately reflects patient experiences in the MHS,” said Gwen Holland, MSN, RN, Nurse Administrative Coordinator, Office of Evidence-Based Practice, at the Defense Health Agency. “Clinicians will use this guideline to provide evidence-based care for lower back pain.”

The focus group needs nine volunteers. It lasts about two hours. The deadline to register is Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. ET.

Requirements

You can join if:

• You’re an active duty service member or a veteran.
• You’ve gotten treatment for lower back pain.
• You’re at least 18 years old.
• You get most of your care for this condition in the MHS.

What you’ll do

During the virtual session, you’ll:

• Discuss your experiences in a small group led by a facilitator
• Provide answers to key questions from the facilitator
• Review and comment on the final draft of the treatment guidelines

Note: Your personally identifiable information won’t be in the guideline. All focus group discussions are confidential.

How to register

Email the Defense Health Agency CPG Group mailbox at [e-mail]. Please include the focus group topic in your subject line.

Have you already participated in a joint focus group? You can still join this one. Watch the TRICARE Newsroom for dates and sign-up deadlines for focus groups in 2027.

• Date Taken: 08.27.2026
• Date Posted: 08.27.2026 11:23
• Story ID: 573338
• Location: FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, US