Disability of Musculoskeletal Origin in Community-dwelling Elderly

The rheumatologists acted as principal care providers in regular visits, home visits and phone contacts. The visits were structured following specific proceedings for the different diagnoses based on previously demonstrated approaches. Such protocols included education and promotion of independence, pharmacological and no pharmacological treatment, and timing of diagnostic tests in a stepwise manner. The program also incorporated administrative duties such as the prescription of medication for the patients. Patients were seen as often as necessary according to the medical rheumatologist decision (until the episode of disability was medically resolved).