Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Awareness in Primary Care: UK National Cross-Sectional Survey of General Practitioners.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a progressive neurological condition, characterized by spinal cord injury secondary to degenerative changes in the spine. Misdiagnosis in primary care forms part of a complex picture leading to an average diagnostic delay of 2 years. This leads to potentially preventable and permanent disability. A lack of awareness secondary to deficits in postgraduate education may contribute to these delays.

Objective

This study aims to assess the awareness of DCM in the setting of general practice.

Methods

General practitioners completed a quantitative web-based cross-sectional questionnaire. The 17-item questionnaire captured data regarding demographics, subjective awareness, and objective knowledge. The questionnaire was disse

SUBMITTER: Rufus-Toye RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11369528 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature