Alternative Referrals for ACC Injuries

INTERVENTION: Advanced injury care by a GP with a Special Interest (GPSI) and advanced training in musculoskeletal injury care. Duration of the intervention is until resolution of the injury or up to 6 months from trial entry. CONDITION: Musculoskeletal injuries PRIMARY OUTCOME: Time from referral to a patient's functional recovery. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Patients satisfaction with care Time off work Waiting time to first specialist orthopaedic assessment INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1.Adult Dunedin residents affected by an orthopaedic injury covered by ACC, who would normally be referred by their general practitioners to an orthopaedic surgeon where the referral is not Immediate or Urgent as outlined in the National Access Criteria for First Assessment, February 2001.2. Patients who consent to participate in the study and agree to be randomised to either GPSI or normal care.