title: [New routines in orthopedics department yielded more efficient care and more satisfied patients. Physiotherapist and team make the first assessment in new visits to the spine surgeon].
abstract: There is a shortage of spine surgeons in Sweden. To guarantee the legal right to healthcare, many counties must hire doctors, with increasing costs. In our new out-patient department routine, the majority of the patients are examined by a physiotherapist at their first visit. History taking and clinical and radiographic examinations are discussed in a team conference, and possible candidates for spine surgery are selected for an appointment with a spine surgeon. Furthermore, the patients were more satisfied with the new routine and management plan.
authors.affiliation: - Orthopedics Sundsvall, Sweden - Orthopedics Sundsvall, Sweden.
authors.forename: Björn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Knutsson
authors.affiliation: Othopedics - Sundsvall, Sweden Othopedics - Sundsvall, Sweden.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Torstensson
mesh_terms: D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010348:Patient Care Team; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010808:Physical Examination; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013131:Spine / Q000601:surgery*; D066231:Surgeons / Q000600:supply & distribution; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D013548:Sweden; D014850:Waiting Lists