Time Spent in Primary Care for Hip Osteoarthritis Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Paans Nienke, van der Veen Willem Jan, van der Meer Klaas, Bullstra Sjoerd K, van den Akker-Scheek Inge, Stevens Martin
Primary Institution: University Medical Center Groningen
Hypothesis
How long do patients with hip osteoarthritis stay under the care of a general practitioner before being referred to an orthopaedic department?
Conclusion
Patients with hip osteoarthritis spend an average of 82 months under the care of a general practitioner before being referred to an orthopaedic department.
Supporting Evidence
- Of 391 patients diagnosed with hip OA, 121 (31%) were referred.
- The average survival time until referral was 82.0 months.
- Less contact with the GP for hip complaints before diagnosis resulted in a decreased time to referral.
Takeaway
People with hip problems often see their family doctor for a long time before going to a specialist. This means there’s time to try other treatments before surgery.
Methodology
A prospective observational study using data from a general practice-based registration network over a 10-year period.
Potential Biases
The study did not account for the severity of hip complaints at the time of diagnosis.
Limitations
The study only gathered information on registered care, lacking data on the severity of hip complaints and additional investigations like X-rays.
Participant Demographics
72% female, average age 66.8 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.925
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 76.6-87.5
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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