Care in the community

This chapter provides an outline of some of the specific issues that primary care teams see in general practice and aids the practitioner in recognizing some of the causes that may be related to an underlying musculoskeletal condition or side effects of treatment. Examination tips and red flags to guide the primary care teams are provided and the management of patients with co-morbidities and joint pain is also briefly discussed. Managing the frail and elderly and those with skin and continence issues are also a challenge in care and these topics are discussed in the context of musculoskeletal conditions. When referral is not required and yet there are practical issues that the patient would like help with, the chapter offers tips on what can be offered to the patient and signposting to supports such as the social and voluntary sector, exercises, and access to aids and devices. The use of telephone advice lines and support for the primary care teams are then covered with some patient scenarios for the primary care team to consider how they would manage such patients in their clinical setting.