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

The consultation with the PT is 40-45 minutes long according to usual care and includes patient history, assessment and management according to an assessment template. If the patient is found not to be appropriate for surgery they can receive the following; 1) self-care without follow up appointment, 2) referral to PT in primary care for rehabilitation, 3) referral back to general practitioner (GP) for new tests/assessments/medication. If the patient is found to be appropriate for surgery, and wishes to undergo surgery, or if the PT in the study wants a second opinion, the patient is 4) referred for orthopaedic consultation for surgical consideration.

The consultation with the OS is 20-30 minutes long and includes medical history, assessment and management plan, all according to usual care. It the patient is found not to be appropriate for surgery they can receive the following; 1) self-care without follow up appointment, 2) referral to PT in primary care for rehabilitation, 3) referral back to GP for new tests/assessments/medication. If the patient is found appropriate for surgery, and wishes to undergo surgery, the patient is 4) scheduled for surgery.