FIRST CONTACT PHYSIOTHERAPY

WHAT IS FIRST CONTACT PHYSIOTHERAPY?

First contact physiotherapists (FCPs) are advanced musculoskeletal (MSK) practitioners working within primary care with extensive expertise in the clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of MSK conditions; which was supported within the NHS Long Term Plan (CSP, 2021).

They have developed advanced competencies to be able to manage MSK conditions as the first point of contact; as an alternative to your GP or other advanced clinical practitioner (ACP). They can be accessed directly by contacting your practice’s reception. Practice administration staff are trained to be able to care navigate patients following a series of questions to the most appropriate clinician; in respect to MSK conditions this may be one of the first contact physiotherapists.

Following an assessment they will arrange the appropriate management plan; whether this includes advice on self-management, referral for treatment, arranging investigations or possibly providing a fitness for work report.

The First Contact Physiotherapy service is not a replacement for the existing MSK physiotherapy service. If a patient requires further rehabilitation then the FCP will be able to refer into the existing MSK physiotherapy service. The aim is to provide support for doctors and other ACPs within primary care and help to meet the growing demand. Various studies suggest that 20% of GP consultations were related to MSK conditions (Department of Health, 2006; Jordan et al., 2007; McCormick, Fleming & Charlton, 1995).

HOW TO ACCESS APPOINTMENTS WITH FIRST CONTACT PHYSIOTHERAPY

Patients can access an appointment via two methods:

  • Ring their own GP practice where the appropriately trained care navigator will be able to book an appointment.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, like the majority of NHS services, the First Contact Physiotherapy service conducts remote consultations with patients initially. If the FCP needs further information to form a treatment plan, they may arrange a face to face consultation (ensuring all necessary infection control procedures are followed).


WHO CAN ACCESS AN APPOINTMENT WITH A FIRST CONTACT PHYSIOTHERAPIST?

An appointment can be access by patients over the age of 16 registered with a Rotherham GP practice with a probable MSK complaint.

Inclusion criteria:

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Spinal pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Pain in the elbow, wrist or hand
  • Pain in the hip, knee or ankle
  • Muscular sprain or strain

Exclusion criteria:

  • Under 16 years of age
  • Feeling generally unwell
  • Open wounds
  • Abdominal pain
  • Chest pain
  • Symptoms that are not felt to be originating from a muscle/joint or nerve problem.

THE TEAM

Max Deadman

Joseph Henson

Mahmoud Sabet

Helen Sparks

Paul Whelan

ROTHERHAM’S FIRST CONTACT PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICE

Through collaboration with Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust; Connect Healthcare delivers a First Contact Physiotherapy service to patients registered with Rotherham GP practices.

Rotherham CCG in 2017 initially piloted having First Contact Physiotherapists assessing/triaging patients and following this successful trial it was agreed to expand the service for all patients over 16 registered with a Rotherham GP practice.

Since August 2018 Connect Healthcare has delivered this service; with therapists based in a number of hubs throughout the borough. Currently there are six FCPs working as part of the team; providing access patients within the six Primary Care Networks recently established.