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A new initiative for long waiting time : The review from Family Medicine Orthopaedic Clinic

Man Li CHAN

The waiting time for public orthopaedic assessment and management is always long. Prolong waiting time may impose risks to patients, induce patient anxiety and affect social and family life. Family Medicine (FM) Orthopaedic Triage Clinic [FMTC ]was set up to meet the above needs.The FMTC was set up in 2022. It is a new initiative with the collaboration between Department of FM&PHC and Department of Orthopaedic in view to solve the long waiting time and provide timely assessment and management for patients. Referral letters mentioned back pain, neck pain, knee pain, heel pain, trigger finger, elbow or shoulder pain were either screened by Orthopaedic specialist or direct referral from public general out-patient clinic[GOPC] channeled to FMTC based on Service Framework and with patient agreement. Instead of the routine Orthopaedic appointment, these patients will be given an appointment (within 1-4 weeks) at the FMTC.  They will be seen by family doctors with the support from Orthopaedic specialist via the regular inter-departmental meeting focus on case management and knowledge transfer. Outcome review from 4/2022-9/2024 done.1/ To provide timely assessment and management for patient with orthopaedic problems. 2/ To reduce the workload and relieve orthopaedic specialist clinic waiting time 3/ To provide a training platform for Family Medicine doctor in managing common orthopaedic conditions.Around 4/5 patients [77.7%] were able to return back to community follow up after appropriate assessment, investigation and management and only around 1/5 patients [22.3%] needed further orthopaedic specialist clinic management. It also provides timely assessment and management for the patient with 77% patient attended limit to or less than 3 visits.The FMTC is a successful collaborative service. It helps to relieve the workload of Orthopaedic specialist clinic. It provides an opportunity for skill transfer and enhanced the knowledge and practice among FM doctors under the support of Orthopaedic specialist.The program provides a triple win solution for patients, family doctors, Orthopaedic specialist & hospital administrator.