Keele

Researchers are developing and testing a national audit system to collect and evaluate data on musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in community and primary care settings. The goal is to use input from both patients and clinicians to measure the quality of care for common MSK problems. This project aims to better understand and improve the consistency and quality of care received by MSK patients across these healthcare services. The study involves collecting information through questionnaires completed at the start and again after 3 months. Participating MSK and first contact practitioner (FCP) services must use digital systems to collect patient-reported outcome and experience measures. Services are required to have a minimum number of healthcare professionals and specific electronic medical record systems to support data collection and template use. Participants will provide informed consent and complete questionnaires using an active phone number or verified email address. The study will securely gather routine data from MSK providers to create a national research database. The primary outcome is to establish this database over a 12-month period, which will support ongoing quality measurement and research into MSK care improvements.