title: Attention to musculoskeletal diseases. Different visions of the same problem.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the main problems affecting general practitioners (GPs) and specialists in the care of the main musculoskeletal problems in Catalonia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional, self-administered survey in a representative sample of GPs and all specialists in four areas (orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain units). Variables evaluated in the survey were related to socio-demographic data, attention to musculoskeletal diseases, self-declared expertise, referral process, coordination mechanisms and major constraints to provide high quality care.
  
  
  RESULTS
  GPs value well their expertise in the management of musculoskeletal diseases (6,7±1,0 on a scale of 1 to 10). Less than 25% of GPs are coordinated with hospital specialists. For them, waiting lists are the main problem (8.2±1,6/10) followed by lack of feedback (8±1,9/10) and poor coordination (7.8±1,9/10). Referenced specialties should change for some diseases (back pain and osteoarthritis). Specialists are critical for GPs. For specialists, the main problems are excessive workload (7,8±2/10) and the inefficiency of healthcare information systems (7.4±2/10).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The vision of the problems affecting the care of musculoskeletal diseases differs between GPs and hospital specialists. The limited accessibility and workload excess, deficiencies in the flow of information and poor coordination are the most important problems in the proper care for musculoskeletal diseases.
authors: Plan Director de las Enfermedades Reumáticas y del Aparato Locomotor, Dirección General de Planificación y Evaluación, Departamento de Salud, Generalitat de Cataluña, España.
authors: Xavier
authors: X
authors: Surís
authors: Marta
authors: M
authors: Larrosa
authors: María J
authors: MJ
authors: Pueyo
authors: Jaume
authors: J
authors: Auleda
authors: Lucía
authors: L
authors: Baranda
authors: Luisa
authors: L
authors: de la Puente
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000523:psychology*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D020445:Hospitalists / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires