The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Cost-effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging of the knee for patients presenting in primary care.
Musculoskeletal problems generate high costs. Of these disorders, patients with knee problems are commonly seen by GPs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee is an accurate diagnostic test, but there is uncertainty as to whether GP access to MRI for these patients is a cost-effective policy. ⋯ GP access to MRI for patients presenting in primary care with a continuing knee problem represents a cost-effective use of health service resources.
-
Most patients seeking help for back pain are managed in primary care. ⋯ Treatment received by patients with back pain was varied and often not in line with back-pain guidelines, particularly with respect to opioid prescription and X-ray investigation. The content of the 'usual care' arm in trials is crucial to interpreting the outcome of studies, but was poorly described in the papers reviewed. Future trials should more fully describe the 'usual care' arm.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Effectiveness of GP access to magnetic resonance imaging of the knee: a randomised trial.
GPs commonly see patients with knee problems. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee is an accurate diagnostic test for meniscus and ligament injuries of the knee, but there is uncertainty about the appropriate use of MRI and when it should enter the diagnostic pathway for patients with these problems. ⋯ GP access to MRI yielded small, but statistically significant, benefits in patients' knee-related quality of life but non-significant improvements in physical functioning.