Insights into the complexity of presentation and management of patients: the Sport and Exercise Physician’s perspective

Insights into the complexity of presentation and management of patients: the Sport and Exercise Physician’s perspective.

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Item Type: Article
Status: Published
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001228
Journal or Publication Title: BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine
Volume: 7
Number: 4
Page Range: e001228
Date: November 2021
Divisions: Molecular Cardiology
Depositing User: General Admin
Identification Number: 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001228
ISSN: 2055-7647
Date Deposited: 15 Nov 2022 21:36
Abstract:

Objectives: Sport and Exercise Physicians represent a relatively new specialty focusing on exercise in complex diseases including musculoskeletal diseases. Our objective was to describe the characteristics, type and complexity of patient presentations, their management strategies and referral information in Australian practice.

Methods: A cross-sectional study including a cohort of 11 senior Sport and Exercise Physicians in Australia studied all new patient consultations within an 8-week period. Data were analysed relating to presentation, referral source, follow-up referrals, and patient management strategies.

Results: Data from 419 patients were recorded. The majority, 97% (n=406), had musculoskeletal conditions, 53% (n=222) had one or more associated comorbidities and 47% (n=195) had ongoing symptoms for >12 months. Most patients, 82% (n=355), were referred by general practitioners. Prior consultations included physiotherapy 72% (n=301) and orthopaedic 20% (n=85). A multidisciplinary network of referrals from Sport and Exercise Physicians was observed, including 210 referrals to 9 allied health specialities and 61 referrals to 17 medical specialities. Over 74% (n=311) of patients received exercise-based intervention as part of the treatment plan, including 57% (n=240) physician managed exercise interventions.

Conclusion: Our work shines a light on the nature and complexity of the role of Sport and Exercise Physicians in an Australian practice context. Findings will assist in implementing measures to promote patient care at the community level in managing musculoskeletal conditions. Sport and exercise medicine stakeholders and government policy makers can use this information in developing appropriate programmes to support patients and create integrated sport and exercise medicine services for the community.

Creators:
Creators
Email
Gamage, Prasanna J
UNSPECIFIED
Seker, Saran
UNSPECIFIED
Orchard, Jessica
UNSPECIFIED
Humphries, David
UNSPECIFIED
Fitzgerald, Kylie
UNSPECIFIED
Fitzpatrick, Jane
UNSPECIFIED
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2022 21:36
URI: https://eprints.centenary.org.au/id/eprint/1214

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