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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
10:53
A Novel Application of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging
Published on: September 17, 2013
A team approach to musculo-skeletal disorders
L A Rymaszewski1, S Sharma, P E McGill
1Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|May 20, 2005
Summary
Implementing a multidisciplinary team approach significantly reduced orthopaedic outpatient waiting times by 50%. This coordinated care model improved patient satisfaction and professional development in musculoskeletal services.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Rheumatology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Long waiting times for musculoskeletal (MSK) issues in UK hospitals are a significant challenge.
- Stobhill Hospital faced 182-day waits for MSK outpatient appointments, with low surgical referral rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reduce outpatient waiting times for musculoskeletal referrals.
- To implement a coordinated team approach to MSK care.
Main Methods:
- Transitioned from a traditional consultant-led model to a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach over seven years.
- Reconfigured roles of orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists, nurses, physiotherapists, and podiatrists.
- Implemented protocol-based triage, clinical priority-based appointments, and enhanced inter-disciplinary communication.
Main Results:
- Reduced outpatient waiting times by approximately 50% (from 182 to 90 days).
- Accommodated a near doubling of GP referrals to the orthopaedic department.
- Improved patient and general practitioner satisfaction levels.
Conclusions:
- A coordinated MDT approach is effective in reducing orthopaedic waiting times.
- Enhanced communication and collaboration are key to successful team-based MSK care.
- Evidence-based patient care is improved through this collaborative model.
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