News

The Trust is assisting patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) ailments, the second-largest cause of work sickness absence in the UK.

Responding to the NHS 5-year plan which identified a shortage of GPs, the Trust has introduced the first contact practitioner role. They will help streamline care for patients with MSK ailments, improve patient experience by cutting wait times and expanding access to primary care.

The Trust has piloted the role since 2017. It has recently become a funded model through the Cornish GP contract, as well as nation-wide. There are now 22 first contact practitioner physiotherapists within the Trust. They work part of their week in Cornish GP surgeries, with the workforce model continuing to grow.

Part of the team of 22 first contact practitioner are 15 MSK physiotherapists. The physiotherapists are celebrating having recently achieved post graduate diplomas in first contact practitioner MSK practice. They will continue to provide support to Cornish GP surgeries.

“We would like to celebrate this huge achievement by 15 of our highly specialised physiotherapists who have attained formal accreditation. They are now verified first contact practitioners in accordance with the Health Education England’s roadmap to practice framework. This is an outstanding achievement for the clinicians and their supervisors. It really gives assurance to patients that they will receive the highest standard of care.” Maria Stickland, Senior Operational Manager for Prevention and Primary Care

MSK problems account for up to 25% of GP appointments. Evidence shows that 85% of MSK problems can be dealt with effectively by an appropriately qualified physiotherapist without the need to see the GP.

By the patient being able to see a first contact practitioner when they visit a GP surgery, they have swifter access to diagnosis, advice, exercises, investigations, and treatment. This helps them to manage their condition more effectively for an accelerated recovery.

“The roles are designed to support GPs as part of an integrated primary care team and to optimise the patient care pathway, by seeing the right person, in the right place and at the right time.

“Our first contact practitioners are highly specialist, expert musculoskeletal physiotherapists. They do not provide hands-on physiotherapy treatment during your appointment. They will undertake with you an in-depth consultation to understand the problem. They will then give their working diagnosis and advise you on what you need to help your musculoskeletal problem.

“You could be offered self-management advice, which in most cases is all that is required. If the issue is more complex or if they feel that you would benefit from investigations such as X-ray, MRI, or tailored interventions such as a course of physiotherapy, they can arrange a referral. Additionally, if they feel that a secondary care opinion is needed, such as a surgical opinion, they can arrange an onward referral.” Maria Stickland

In a study conducted in 2020, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy found that first contact practitioners benefit patient care and the expansion of skills and expertise on offer in primary care. They also contribute to very high levels of patient satisfaction.

“I am a huge advocate for having physiotherapists in first contact roles in primary care. First contact practitioners are excellently placed to provide up to date, evidence-based information, and care for our communities. This means people do not have to sit on long waiting lists.

“We can provide timely treatment and help to prevent the development of chronic MSK illness quickly. By seeing patients in a timely fashion, we can positively impact a person’s quality of life.” Jessica Grenfell, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist and First Contact Practitioner