N | Referred % | All files % | |
---|---|---|---|
N = 117 | N = 288 | ||
Type of specialist | |||
Surgical specialists | 51 | 43.6 | 17.7 |
WAD specialists | 24 | 20.5 | 8.3 |
Other specialists | 18 | 15.4 | 6.3 |
More than one specialist | 24 | 20.5 | 8.3 |
Referral source | |||
General practitioner | 62 | 53.0 | 21.5 |
Insurer | 32 | 27.4 | 11.1 |
Solicitor | 16 | 13.7 | 5.6 |
Medical specialist | 5 | 4.3 | 1.7 |
Physiotherapist | 2 | 1.7 | 0.7 |
Health professional justification | |||
Opinion about diagnosis and management | 63 | 32.5 | 21.9 |
Complexity and severity of the injury | 8 | 6.8 | 2.8 |
Persistent pain, non-recovery | 6 | 5.1 | 2.1 |
Surgical management, specialised procedures | 2 | 1.7 | 0.7 |
Needs assessment | 2 | 1.7 | 0.7 |
None cited | 36 | 30.8 | 12.5 |
Indicated for WAD specialist but no referral made | 55 | 19.1 | |
Timeframe (days), median(IQR) | |||
Time to request | 89(158) | ||
Outcome of specialist referral | |||
Clarification of condition, assessment of impairment | 26 | 22.2 | 9.0 |
Further imaging and tests | 11 | 9.4 | 3.8 |
Continuation of current management | 8 | 6.8 | 2.8 |
Pain management (medications, injections) | 6 | 5.1 | 2.1 |
Referral to another health professional | 5 | 4.3 | 1.7 |
Rehabilitation plan | 2 | 1.7 | 0.7 |
Discontinuation of treatment | 2 | 1.7 | 0.7 |
Return to work | 2 | 1.7 | 0.7 |
No record | 55 | 47.0 | 19.1 |