First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs)
Musculoskeletal (MSK) FCP roles, which are now funded under the new PCN DES, have proven particularly important for supporting self-management whilst delivering services virtually under the lockdown.
The role frees up GPs to see non-MSK patients and is shown to reduce the number of requests for imaging and onward referrals to secondary care. Many FCPs are also prescribers. With the expectation that general practice will see an increase in MSK patients seeking an appointment as the lockdown eases, primary care networks will want to consider including FCPs in their workforce plans. Resources and implementation guidance are available from the CSP website and the Elective Care Community of Practice.