Musculoskeletal Health
Around 7.3 million (29%) people in Australia are estimated to be living with chronic musculoskeletal conditions (ABS National Health Survey, 2022). Prevention, early diagnosis, and multidisciplinary care are key to helping people maintain healthy bones and joints and manage their condition.
Evidence-based guidelines and models of care support clinicians with pathways and decision-making tools, and patients with self-management strategies and education. Organisations like Arthritis Australia and Healthy Bones Australia provide additional information and support.
The Primary Care Advancement Team can help practices identify high-risk patients, implement chronic condition management plans, and connect patients to care pathways. For assistance, email pcait@snhn.org.au.
RACGP Guidelines and Resources:
- Assessment, Diagnosis and Management of Knee and/or Hip Osteoarthritis Algorithm
- Osteoporosis Risk Assessment, Diagnosis and Management Flow Chart
- Bone Density Testing in General Practice
- Guidelines for Preventive Activities in General Practice – Osteoporosis
Australia Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Resources:
- Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Standard – Quick Guide for GPs
- Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Standard – Quick Guide for Physiotherapists
- Effective Communication for Knee Osteoarthritis
- Assessment Tools – Osteoarthritis of the Knee
NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation Models of Care:
Australia Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Resources:
- Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Standard – Guide for Consumers
- Action Plan for Consumers – Managing Knee Osteoarthritis
NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation Resources:
- Key Facts About Osteoarthritis
- Plan for Living Well with Osteoarthritis
- Role of Joint Replacement Surgery
- Planning for Joint Replacement Surgery
- How to Keep Your Bones Healthy and Avoid Fractures
- Managing Low Back Pain
Online Support Programs:
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