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Spine

THE USE OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN A PRIMARY CARE SETTING IS INTEGRAL TO OPTIMAL PATIENT JOURNEY AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Britspine, British Scoliosis Society (BSS), Society for Back Pain Research (SBPR), British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS)



Abstract

MRI scanning of spinal patients at the Primary Care Triage stage is pivotal in reducing inappropriate referrals into Secondary Care.

A retrospective study was undertaken. Details of patients from spinal triage clinics referred for MRI scan were collated together with a provisional diagnosis. Following imaging the results and management plan were documented.

2191 Patients referred via GP's to Physiotherapy Specialist- lead spinal triage clinics from April to September 2009 inclusive.

Referred to a spinal consultant routine/urgent, Managed conservatively, Failed to attend for MRI scanning or MRI cancelled, Sent for scanning for reassurance and discharged.

Of 2191 patients seen in a 6-month period 194 (9%) were referred for MRI of which 81 (41%) were referred on to spinal consultant. This equates to 3.7% of the total number of patients triaged.

Specialist physiotherapy diagnosticians with access to MRI scanning, allows simultaneous treatment and seamless transfer to spinal consultants for surgical intervention if appropriate1. This process is used effectively to manage large numbers of spinal referrals and minimises the number of patients seen unnecessarily in secondary care1. This is only possible with close multidisciplinary team working2.