With an ageing population and increase in the numbers of people with multiple morbidities, the pressure and demands on primary care will continue to rise. GP surgeries now provide 370 million consultations every year; 70 million more than five years ago. Despite this, GP numbers have remained relatively static during that time, if not decreased.
Physiotherapists providing a first point of contact service means that patients presenting with a musculoskeletal (MSK) problem for a GP appointment are offered an appointment with a physiotherapist instead. Physiotherapists working in general practice are able to address the needs of a large proportion of the patient population. They have the clinical expertise and autonomy to assess, diagnose and treat patients with a range of conditions, including MSK, neurological and respiratory conditions.
It has been estimated that MSK conditions alone account for around one in five GP appointments.
This is therefore an opportunity for physiotherapy services to support GPs and to build capacity and diversity in the primary care workforce through increasing physiotherapy roles in general practice settings Where first contact physiotherapy posts have been implemented in general practice as part of the MSK pathway, they have generated a range of benefits that enable patients to get the most out of one contact.
For patients
- Quick access to expert MSK assessment, diagnosis, treatment & advice
- Prevention of short-term problems becoming long-term conditions
- Improved patient experience
- A shorter pathway, so patients have fewer appointments to attend
- Simple logistics, so patients are less likely to missappointments, or to suffer administrative errors
- Opportunity to gain lifestyle/physical activity advice
- Longer appointment times, meaning patients feel listenedto, cared for and reassured
For GPs
- Quick access to expert MSK assessment, diagnosis, treatment & advice
- Prevention of short-term problems becoming long-term conditions
- Improved patient experience
- A shorter pathway, so patients have fewer appointments to attend
- Simple logistics, so patients are less likely to missappointments, or to suffer administrative errors
- Opportunity to gain lifestyle/physical activity advice
- Longer appointment times, meaning patients feel listenedto, cared for and reassured
