Prevalence and characteristics of musculoskeletal complaints in primary care: an analysis from the population level and analysis reporting (POLAR) database

BackgroundElectronic health record datasets have been used to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in general practice but not to examine the associated characteristics and healthcare utilisation at the primary care level.AimTo describe the prevalence and characteristics of patients presenting to general practitioners with musculoskeletal complaints.Design and settingA five-year analysis within three Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in Victoria, Australia.MethodWe included patients with at least one face-to-face consultation 2014 to 2018 inclusive and a low back (>= 18 years), and/or neck, shoulder or knee (>= 45 years) complaint determined by SNOMED codes derived from diagnostic text within the medical record. We determined prevalence, socio-demographic characteristics and diagnostic codes for patients with an eligible diagnosis; and number of consultations within one year of diagnosis.Results324,793/1,294,021 (25%) presented with at least one musculoskeletal diagnosis, of whom 41% (n = 133,279) fulfilled our inclusion criteria. There were slightly more females (n = 73,428, 55%), two-thirds (n = 88,043) were of working age (18-64 years) and 83,816 (63%) had at least one comorbidity. Over half had a low back diagnosis (n = 76,504, 57%) followed by knee (n = 33,438, 25%), shoulder (n = 26,335, 20%) and neck (n = 14,492, 11%). Most codes included 'pain' and/or 'ache' (low back: 58%, neck: 41%, shoulder: 32%, knee 26%). Median (IQR) all-cause consultations per patient within one year of diagnosis was 7 (4-12).ConclusionThe burden of MSK complaints at the primary care level is high as evidenced by the prevalence of people with musculoskeletal complaints presenting to a general practitioner, the preponderance of comorbidities and the numerous consultations per year. Identification and evaluation of strategies to reduce this burden are needed.

Automated summary

This study used electronic health record datasets to examine the prevalence and characteristics of patients with musculoskeletal complaints presenting to general practitioners in three Primary Health Networks in Victoria, Australia. The study found a high burden of musculoskeletal complaints at the primary care level, with a large number of consultations per year. Strategies to reduce this burden need to be identified and evaluated.