Table 3 Sex-based comparison of treatment pathways and patient experience in Family clinics (n = 500). ED: 1: emergency department. Values marked with an asterisk (*) indicate statistically significant results (P < 0.05)

Referral from ED¹

28 (49.1)

29 (50.9)

1.635

(0.939–2.846)

0.080

Pain score (out of 10, median IQR)

6 (3)

8 (2)

< 0.001*

Received analgesia from

the clinic

187 (38.3)

301 (61.7)

0.621

(0.154–2.514)

0.501

Referral to physiotherapy

48 (35.8)

86 (64.2)

0.855

(0.567–1.290)

0.454

Referral to orthopedic department

37 (41.1)

53 (58.9)

1.142

(0.717–1.819)

0.575

The physicians explained MSK health and preventive measures

114 (40.1)

170 (59.9)

1.176

(0.815–1.697)

0.387

Diagnostic tests performed during the visit

75 (36.4)

131 (63.6)

0.859

(0.594–1.241)

0.418

Satisfaction with clinic visit (out of 10, median IQR)

8 (2)

8 (3)

0.347

Adequacy of counseling

(out of 10, median IQR)

8 (2)

8 (3)

0.670

Disability due to current MSK issue (out of 10, median IQR)

8 (4)

4 (4)

0.024*

Functional status (ability for daily activities, out of 10)

6 (2)

8 (3)

0.041*