Streamline MSK Aftercare: Expert Follow-Up for ER Patients

Indication Criteria for Referrals

Patients are eligible for referral to the ArthurCare MSK Emergency Discharge Program if they meet ALL of the following criteria:

Presentation:

• Presented to the Emergency Department with a musculoskeletal (MSK) complaint, including back pain.

Diagnosis:

• Diagnosed with a soft tissue injury OR
• Diagnosed with MSK pain, including back pain, NOT requiring surgical management

Exclusion Criteria:

• NOT diagnosed with a fracture
• NOT requiring immediate or ongoing surgical management
• NOT presenting with a non-MSK primary complaint (e.g., cardiac, respiratory, neurological)
• Back pain with “red flags” suggesting serious underlying conditions (e.g., cauda equina syndrome, spinal cord compression, cancer)

Additional Considerations:

• Patients should be medically stable and able to participate in physical therapy and self-management programs.
• Patients should have a willingness to actively engage in their recovery process.

Examples of Eligible Conditions:

• Sprains and strains (e.g., ankle sprain, muscle strain)
• Tendinitis and tendinopathy
• Bursitis
• Overuse injuries
• Non-specific musculoskeletal pain, including back pain
• Post-traumatic pain (excluding fractures)