Abstract
Aims: Musculo-skeletal complaints comprise a significant proportion of General Practitioner workload. The aim of this study was to assess whether the training of GP’s is satisfactory given their exposure to orthopaedics and trauma in practice.
Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to 200 local General Practitioners requesting information on their training in musculo-skeletal conditions.
Results: The response rate was 58%. The reported estimated proportion of musculo-skeletal problems varied between 10% and 60 %. Only 33% of General Practitioners had any formal post graduate training in trauma and orthopaedics. Experience in the related specialities of rheumatology was 12% and A+E 69%. 35% of responding General Practitioners reported a specialist interest in musculo-skeletal conditions although less than 2% have any postgraduate qualifications in this area.
Only 23% of GP’s thought that their training in orthopaedics and trauma was adequate .85% felt that they would benefit from further training. 80% of these felt that clinical teaching would be the best way to achieve this.
Conclusions: Musculo-skeletal problems comprise a significant proportion of General Practice workload. Despite this fact formal training in trauma and orthopaedics received by GP’s is minimal. 77% of GP’s feel that their training in the treatment of musculo-skeletal conditions is inadequate and 85% would like further training.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Peter Kay, Editorial Secretary. Correspondence should be addressed to British Hip Society, The Hip Centre, Wrightington Hospital, Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9EP.
