Precision-based Care for People With Musculoskeletal Conditions Seeking Primary Health Care: Enhancing Recovery and Health Outcomes

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the Start-MSK tool, a screening instrument designed to support personalized treatment for adults with musculoskeletal pain. This tool aims to identify risk levels for long-term pain and disability, helping to direct appropriate care. The study involves 300 patients aged 18 and older seeking primary care rehabilitation and physiotherapy in several Swedish regions. The goal is to investigate whether Start-MSK can predict treatment outcomes such as pain and quality of life at 3 and 6 months, and to explore patient and physiotherapist experiences with the tool in shared decision-making. Participants will receive usual physiotherapy care while the Start-MSK tool is used at the first visit to classify patients into low, medium, or high risk for persistent pain. Physiotherapists will use the tool’s results to guide treatment discussions but are not directed to alter treatment based on risk. Treatment details, including session numbers and types such as exercise or mobilization, will be collected through surveys at 8 weeks. There is no experimental treatment; the focus is on observing outcomes linked to the tool’s risk stratification. Patients will complete web-based questionnaires at baseline, 8 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, reporting on pain, function, quality of life, and recovery. Physiotherapists will provide treatment data and participate in interviews or focus groups to share their views on the tool’s use. The study measures include the Start-MSK tool scores, musculoskeletal pain screening questionnaires, and quality of life assessments. Follow-up lasts 6 months, during which researchers monitor outcomes and experiences to assess the tool’s validity and usability in primary care.

Precision Based Primary Care for Patients With Musculoskeletal Disorders