Prevalence and characteristics of musculoskeletal complaints in primary care: an analysis from the population level and analysis reporting (POLAR) database.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Electronic health record datasets have been used to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in general practice but not to examine the associated characteristics and healthcare utilisation at the primary care level.

Aim

To describe the prevalence and characteristics of patients presenting to general practitioners with musculoskeletal complaints.

Design and setting

A five-year analysis within three Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in Victoria, Australia.

Method

We included patients with at least one face-to-face consultation 2014 to 2018 inclusive and a low back (≥ 18 years), and/or neck, shoulder or knee (≥ 45 years) complaint determined by SNOMED codes derived from diagnostic text within the medical record. We determined prevalence, soc

SUBMITTER: Haas R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9898983 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature