Muscle and joint pain: design and evaluation of courses for general practitioners.

Existing deficiencies in general practice management of rheumatic disease are identified and the evolution of a three-day course designed to remedy these deficiencies is described. Evaluation of the courses showed changes in the performance of participants in diagnosing and treating rheumatic disorders. Knowledge was increased, referral to hospital was halved and treatments in general practice, such as injections of steroids and advice on self-care, were increased. These changes were measured and were maintained up to two years after the course.