Examining the Influence of Ultrasound (US)-Guided Musculoskeletal (MSK) Injections Performed by Rural Clinicians: Evaluating Outcomes via Patient and Referrer Surveys/Questionnaires

Description

Patients in rural regions have limited access to specialists, including those who treat MSK conditions. Ultrasound guided treatment is increasing and allows clinicians to visualize internal structures in real-time, aiding in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of MSK conditions. It provides a cost-effective alternative to advanced imaging techniques and can be performed in the primary care setting, reducing the need for rural patient referrals to distant specialists. Indeed Shaikh et al, reported that ultrasonography has carved out a significant role in rehabilitation for numerous reasons. Interventional US, defined by Page et al as ‘guided percutaneous procedures involving ‘dry’ (acupuncture) or ‘wet’ needling (injection), has been shown to improve treatment outcomes. It allows for precise needle placement, reducing the risk of complications and increasing the efficacy of the procedure. This can be particularly beneficial in rural settings where patients may have limited access to follow-up care. This not only reduces the financial burden on patients but also enhances their convenience by minimizing travel and time away from work or family responsibilities.
Incorporating US-guided treatment into the skill set of rural generalists can enhance their capacity to manage MSK conditions independently, and locally. This can lead to improved patient care within the community, reducing the need for patient referrals to distant healthcare facilities.
Following US-guided MSK treatment training overseas, researcher and rural generalist Dr Mohamed Hamidh is equipped with a unique skill set to offer specialist US MSK treatment in a rural location in NSW. US-guided MSK injection therapies have been offered through a referral process at the local Diagnostic Imaging Centre on a weekly basis for nearly 4 years.

Research questions/aims/objectives/hypothesis:

1. To determine the types and numbers of US-guided MSK treatments provided by a rural generalist at Young Diagnostic Imaging over two (2) time periods; Aug 2023-July 2024, and a prospective audit of Aug 2024-July 2025.
2. To ascertain the patient experience and outcomes of local service provision of US-guided MSK treatments in rural NSW.
3. To ascertain the perspectives of referrers to a local service for US-guided MSK treatment.

Period	2023 → 2025
Examinee	Dr Mohamed Hamidh
Examination held at	Young Radiology Qscan Radiology, Brisbane
Degree of Recognition	National