Clinics in Musculoskeletal Medicine: What Outcomes Should Be Measured?

Abstract

A primary care based musculoskeletal clinic has been set up in North Wales. Patient-based outcome measures are increasingly used for audit and research. What combination of outcome measures should be used in musculoskeletal clinics? Generic and condition-specific outcome measures were used before and after a course of treatment in the clinic. 57 patients completed SF-36 before and 35 after treatment. Only physical function, physical role and bodily pain scales improved significantly (standardised response means 0.47, 0.51 and 0.68). 79 completed SF-12 before and 29 after treatment. Both physical and mental health scores improved significantly (standardised response mean 0.47). 132 completed the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire before and 59 after treatment (standardised response mean for total verbal scale 0.6). 54 completed the Aberdeen Back Pain Scale before and 32 after treatment (standardised response mean 0.64). The SF-12, Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire and the Aberdeen Back Pain Score measure different but overlapping components of health status, and make useful tools for audit and research.