Yellow Flags
When taking a subjective patient history, it’s essential to be vigilant for red flags and yellow flags, which help identify serious underlying conditions and psychosocial factors, respectively.
Yellow flags refer to psychosocial factors that can impact a patient’s pain experience and recovery. They may indicate a higher risk for chronic pain and disability. Important yellow flags include:
- Negative Emotions: Symptoms of anxiety and depression can exacerbate pain perceptions and complicate treatment.
- Cognitive Distortions: Misinterpretations of bodily sensations or fear-avoidance beliefs (e.g., believing that physical activity will worsen the condition) can hinder recovery (Finucane et al., 2020).
- Poor Social Support: Lack of family or social support can increase the risk of developing chronic pain syndromes.
- Work-Related Issues: Job dissatisfaction, fear of losing a job due to pain, or a negative workplace environment can contribute to prolonged disability (Musculoskeletal Key, 2022; Finucane et al., 2020).
Understanding both red and yellow flags during the subjective history-taking process can guide the clinician in developing an appropriate management plan and improving patient outcomes (SA Health, 2022; Musculoskeletal Key, 2022).
References
- Finucane, L., et al. (2020). Red Flags for Back Pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 50(6), 345-354.
- SA Health. (2022). Red Flag Screening in Lumbar Disorders. Retrieved from SA Health.
- Musculoskeletal Key. (2022). Decision Making and Flag Systems. Retrieved from Musculoskeletal Key.
- The Pharmaceutical Journal. (2024). How to Identify Red-Flag Symptoms and Refer Patients Appropriately. Retrieved from The Pharmaceutical Journal.