Improving the management of musculoskeletal conditions: can an alternative approach to referral management underpinned by quality improvement and behavioural change theories offer a solution and a better patient experience? A mixed-methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To assess whether a quality improvement-based approach to referral management can result in better musculoskeletal care within general practice.

Design

Prospective cohort study using mixed methodology including random-effects meta-analysis and interrupted time series.

Setting and participants

36 general practices in East London.

Intervention

Informed by the results of a Cochrane review on educational interventions to improve general practitioners' (GPs) musculoskeletal care, we developed a multifaceted intervention, underpinned by quality improvement and behavioural change theories. It combined locally agreed clinical pathways, feedback on referral rates, clinical audit and peer review.

Main outcome measures

Referral letter content, pathway ad

SUBMITTER: Tzortziou Brown V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6398779 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature