Fractures diagnosed and conservatively treated in primary care

Conservative treatment of fractures in Norway usually takes place hospitals. In Norway, some general practitioner offices also have X-ray equipment. These clinics are localised far from hopsitals, and most of these general practitioners' offices are in locations with many fractures, near ski resorts. The rationale for having X-ray equipment has been to 1) be able to diagnose fractures and also rule out fracture injuries at the primary care level, and 2) to treat uncomplicated fractures at the primary care level. The alternative is to transport the patients over long distances for diagnose and treatment when fractur is confirmed.

The main study aims are:

1. Which fracture injuries have been radiologically detected and treated in general practice in Bykle in the period 2010-2014?

2. How are the patients' symptoms and function after conservative fracture treatment of the three most common fracture locations (forearm/wrist, collarbone, ankle) in general practice?

3. What is the difference in costs of treating patients with fractures in the municipality versus hospital

Methods:

1. A retrospective cross sectional study of alle frcatures confirmed by the X-ray department at the regional hospital in Arendal and treatment initiated at the primary care centre of Bykle for fractures in the forearm/wrist, collarbone and ankle.

2. A questionnaire study of alle patients treated at the primary care centre of Bykle for fractures in the forearm/wrist, collarbone and ankle.

3. A cost minimisation analysis to compare the expected cost of treating patients in a primary care model and in an alternative hospital model, respectively.

Stein Vabo is PhD candidate in the project. Tone Morken is main supervisor and Steinar Hunskår are co-supervisors. Knut Steen and Christina Brudvik are project participants.