Physiotherapist Led Triage in Primary Care for Patients With Hip or Knee OA

Physiotherapist Led Triage in Primary Care for Patients With Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis

The overall aim with the study is to evaluate physiotherapist led triage in primary care compared to usual care (assessment by an orthopaedic surgeon in an orthopaedic department) for patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis referred for orthopaedic consultation.

The primary aim of the study is to evaluate if there is any difference in perceived quality of care using the item "I received the best possible examination and treatment (as far as I can tell)" between physiotherapist led (PT led) triage in primary care compared to usual care (assessment by an orthopaedic surgeon (OS) in an orthopaedic department) for patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) referred for orthopaedic consultation. Furthermore, to evaluate whether there is any difference in 2) perceived quality of care as a whole, 3) management outcome and hip/knee replacement surgery conversion rate, 4) patient reported outcome measures such as health related quality, pain and function in short and long term and 5) costs between the two care models.

Patients with hip or knee OA assessed by a GP at any of the included health care centers in the study, and referred on for orthopaedic consultation to any of the included hospitals in the Västra Götaland.

Inclusion Criteria:

• primary OA in hip or knee
• understands and speak Swedish

Exclusion Criteria (if stated in the referral)

• Previously been assessed for the same condition by an orthopaedic surgeon
• Referred by an orthopaedic surgeon
• Secondary OA due to fractures or osteonecrosis of the femoral head
• Referral to a specific orthopaedic surgeon