Impact of triage by a rheumatologist on appropriateness of referrals from primary to secondary care: a cluster randomized trial
Authors' conclusion
Triage by a rheumatologist in primary care provides appropriate care and adequate experience of care, leading to a higher quality of life.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with musculoskeletal complaints in primary care24% men
- Participants
- 544 patients
- Comparison
- Triage by an experienced rheumatologist in primary care vs usual care
- Primary endpoint
- Proportion of inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) diagnosed by rheumatologists in referred patients
Methodological detailscluster
- Cluster
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
IRD among referred patients
P = 0.035
Further findings
| Outcome | P value |
|---|---|
| Healthcare utilization (iMTA Medical Consumption Questionnaire) · 3 months | P = 0.006 |
| Quality of life (EuroQol 5 Dimensions) · 3 months | P = 0.011 |
| Experience of care (Consumer Quality Index) · 3 months | P = 0.712 |
Healthcare utilization (iMTA Medical Consumption Questionnaire) · 3 months
- Lower healthcare utilization with triage
Quality of life (EuroQol 5 Dimensions) · 3 months
- Higher quality of life with triage
Experience of care (Consumer Quality Index) · 3 months
- No decline in experienced quality of care
Original publication
Impact of triage by a rheumatologist on appropriateness of referrals from primary to secondary care: a cluster randomized trial. Scand J Rheumatol. Published 29 September 2022. doi:10.
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