Reduction of orthopaedic and rheumatology outpatient waiting lists: the national musculoskeletal physiotherapy triage initiative

Aims The NCPR and the NCPTOS implemented a novel musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy triage initiative to reduce the Orthopaedic and Rheumatology outpatient waiting lists in Ireland. Methods In 2012, 24 MSK Clinical Specialist Physiotherapists (CSPs) were recruited across 18 hospital sites nationally, with a further 6 CSPs recruited in 2016. From 2012-2014 participating sites kept local summary data from MSK triage clinics with a centralised monthly data analysis system established in 2015. Results From 2012-2018, 125,852 patients were removed from Orthopaedic and Rheumatology waiting lists nationally. 71% of all new patients were discharged following assessment and treatment. 19% who attended an orthopaedic CSP clinic were referred for orthopaedic consultant review and 10% who attended a rheumatology CSP clinic were referred for consultant rheumatologist review. Conclusion The MSK physiotherapy triage initiative successfully reduced national Orthopaedic and Rheumatology waiting lists, producing more effective use of limited consultant resources with improved patient wait times.