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Shoulder pain - Management
Additional information
- Many people with musculoskeletal problems do not need to be treated in hospital and may receive faster and more appropriate care in a community setting. These people, whose needs could be better met elsewhere, are often referred to hospital rheumatology and orthopaedic services, and this may increase the waiting times for those who do require specialist hospital care, particularly orthopaedic surgery.
- Multidisciplinary Clinical Assessment and Treatment Services (or interface clinics) aim to reduce referrals to hospital while ensuring that people are directed towards the most appropriate services and clinicians working at the interface between primary and secondary care. They provide efficient, rapid assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of people with a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Healthcare professionals involved may include physiotherapists, GPs with a special interest in musculoskeletal problems, and clinical nurse practitioners.
[DH, 2006]
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