News

The Trust will be 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. This will help streamline care for patients with MSK ailments. As well as increasing GP capacity and improve patient access to primary care.

The Trust has piloted the role since 2017. It has more recently become a funded model through the Cornish GP contract, as well as nationwide. There are now 22 first contact practitioner employed within the Trust. They also work part of their week in GP surgeries across the county.

There are 9 MSK physiotherapists who are also part of the team. They are celebrating having recently achieved post graduate diplomas in first contact practitioner musculoskeletal practice. They will continue to provide support to Cornish GP surgeries.

“We would like to celebrate a huge achievement by 9 of our highly specialised physiotherapists who have obtained post graduate diplomas in first contact practitioner musculoskeletal practice. This is outstanding work by the clinicians and their supervisors to achieve this recognition.” Maria Stickland, Senior Operational Manager for Prevention and Primary Care

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

By the patient being able to see the first contact practitioner when they attend 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 first contact practitioner roles are designed to support GPs as part of an integrated primary care team. They help to optimise the patient care pathway, by seeing the right person, in the right place and at the right time.

“They are highly specialist, expert musculoskeletal physiotherapists. First contact practitioners 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. 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 not only benefit patient care and the expansion of skills and expertise on offer in primary care, but also contribute to very high levels of patient satisfaction.

“I am a huge advocate for having physiotherapists in first contact roles in primary care. Evidence shows we reduce healthcare costs and waste in terms of onward referral to mainstream and secondary care services.

“We are excellently placed to provide up to date, evidence-based information, and care for our communities. This means people will not have to sit on long waiting lists. We can provide timely treatment, helping to prevent the development of chronic MSK illness. Not only does this help ease the healthcare burden on the NHS and society, it also positively impacts people’s quality of life.” Jessica Grenfell, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist and First Contact Practitioner