Dr Michelle Cottrell's team is working to improve care in Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery outpatient services by tailoring treatments to better meet individual patient needs.

Many patients with musculoskeletal conditions are referred to specialists when non-surgical treatments, such as physiotherapy, could help. 

An audit performed by the leading team shows that patients often don’t follow through with these referrals or appointments, leading to overburdened clinics and long waiting lists. 

By redesigning how non-surgical care is provided, this project aims to make it more appealing and accessible to patients, enduring they get the right care at the right time.

Dr Cottrell and her team expect this project to increase patient acceptance and attendance of non-surgical treatment options, improving their health outcomes and experiences. 

By better matching care to patient needs, they aim to reduce the demand on specialist clinics, leading to shorter waiting time and more efficient use of medical resources. 

Ultimately, this approach can prevent unnecessary surgeries, improve patient outcomes, and create a more equitable and effective healthcare system for managing musculoskeletal conditions.