O encaminhamento de pacientes com dor musculoesquelética para o reumatologista é realizado corretamente?

Objective: To determine whether the referral of chronic musculoskeletal pain patients to the rheumatologist is performed correctly. Method: The rheumatology referral forms of Centro de Saude Escola de Sorocaba (CSE) were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic data, reasoning for referral and data quality will be investigated. We analyzed whether there was a record of the above variables, the waiting time for consultation and the quality of filling in the referral form. Results: Sixty-three referral slips and their respective charts were analyzed. The vast majority refer to female people between 50 and 70 years of age. Regarding the diagnostic hypotheses (DH), the highest prevalence in women was osteoarthritis, followed by fibromyalgia, and fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis among men. Sixteen patients had no diagnostic hypothesis recorded. Most complain of generalized pain. It was noted that a significant number of referral forms and medical records did not record the drugs and non-pharmacological measures prescribed. It was pointed out that there were no medical records or files considered totally complete. Conclusion: It is concluded that the referral of patients with musculoskeletal pain from the primary care to the rheumatology specialty has important flaws.