Study reveals waiting times for orthopedic referrals significantly reduced, UK

The British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) has reported research showing that GP surgeries could drastically cut waiting times for patients with musculoskeletal disorders if they manage their own orthopedic referrals.



The study, conducted between April 1997 to September 1999, was carried out on 12 GP surgeries across North Staffordshire. Data was compared with 24 control practices and 63 other surgeries in the area.



Participating GPs were introduced to a novel 'slot' system aimed at managing demand for orthopedic consultations at primary care level. The system was designed to allow general practices to use their fair share of orthopedic outpatient capacity and receive important feedback, in an attempt to improve services for patients.



The study found that those practices managing their own outpatient demand revealed a 20% reduction in referral rates when compared to similar practices which did not, indicating the role primary care could play in reducing outpatient waiting times.



Dr Stephen Bridgman from the School of Medicine, University of Keele, and co-author said: "Our study suggests that practices willing and able to participate in a slot system for managing their orthopedic referrals will be significantly able to reduce waiting times for patients. It also provides some evidence to give practices about the potential for the system to influence wait times, however further research in this area is needed."


Stephen Bridgman, Susan X Li, Gilbert Mackenzie and Peter Dawes: "Does the North Staffordshire slot system control demand of orthopedic referrals from primary care?" BJGP September 2005; 55: 704-709.


The BJGP is published monthly and distributed to over 22,500 RCGP members, associates, and subscribers in more than 40 countries worldwide. Its primary purpose is to publish first-rate, peer reviewed research papers on topics relevant to primary care.


The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is the largest membership organisation in the United Kingdom solely for GPs. It aims to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and to act as the "voice" of GPs on issues concerned with education, training, research, and clinical standards.

Founded in 1952, the RCGP has over 22,500 members who are committed to improving patient care, developing their own skills and promoting general practice as a discipline. rcgp.uk