€˜Prognostic tool’ for musculo-skeletal disorders

A set of simple questions posed topatients presenting for the first timewith musculoskeletal conditions mayhelp GPs effectively predict the likelyprogression of the disease, according torecently published findings. The study, conducted by the ArthritisResearch UK Primary Care Centre atKeele University, involved 403 patientsnewly presenting with musculoskeletaldisorders, of which 194 were classifiedas having an unfavourable outcome at6 months. The study findings showed thatby including three simple questions€“ duration of the patient’s presentepisode of pain, whether pain interfereswith their daily activities and whetherthe pain is in one or more joints €“ intotheir initial consultation significantlyimproved GPs’ predictions of theoutcome of their condition, comparedwith