Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy
Community Appointment Day
Information and updates for healthcare professionals
Introduction
Musculoskeletal conditions are the second highest contributors to disability worldwide and place a substantial burden on the economy, society and individuals*. The treatment of musculoskeletal conditions costs the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom £10.2 billion annually^.
Our Community Appointment Days (CADs) are events to help patients discover how to manage their musculoskeletal (MSK) condition in a holistic manner. It is a chance for patients referred to the MSK waiting list to discuss ‘What matters to you’ with physiotherapy staff and our partner organisations.
*Hill et al, 2016, World Health Organisation, 2019
^Versus Arthritis, 2019
Background
The CADs are in response to reports of increasing complexity surrounding patient presentations which require a more holistic approach to their management. Demand is increasing with an increase in referrals of over 20% from 2022-2024 (having increased by 7.5% from 2021-2022).
Physiotherapists routinely signpost patients to other services but there are barriers which prevent patients from accessing them.
It was clear that a new and innovative model of care was required and further engagement with our partners was necessary to provide patients with the care they need.
Why hold a Community Appointment Day?
- Improved partnership working
- Sits in line with a holistic and realistic medicine approach
- Ties in with Public Health Priority 6, which is ‘A Scotland where we eat well, have a healthy weight and are physically active‘
- A new model of care that enhances the patient experience by improving access to holistic care on the day
- Strong culture of innovation within the Physiotherapy Service and our Partners
Evaluation
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How often are they held?
CADs are held regularly across the year in various local authority leisure settings within Lanarkshire.
Where are they held?
CADs are held in the following locations:
- John Wright Sports Centre, Calderwood Road, East Kilbride, G74 3EU
- Wishaw Sports Centre, 131 Alexander Street, Wishaw, ML2 0HQ
- Carluke Leisure Centre, 133 Carnwath Road, Carluke, ML8 4EA
- The Time Capsule, 100 Buchanan Street, Coatbridge, ML5 1DL
Appointing
This is not a drop-in service. A specific letter, information sheet and webpage have been prepared inviting patients to the CAD. Patients also receive a text reminder 7 days prior to the appointment with a link to the CAD webpage:
Example Floorplan
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Zones
- Check-in; patient passport provided and then the patient will be guided to the ‘What matters to you’ waiting area
- ‘What matters to you’ conversation
- 1:1 Assessment zone
- Movement zone
- Walking Aid/Equipment zone
- Partners zone
- Check-out
Partners
What happens after the CAD?
At the end of the event patients will meet a member of the team at check-out who will speak to them about their patient passport, confirm it is fully completed, answer any questions and ensure the patient is aware of any follow-up action needed.
The patient will have one of the following outcomes:
- Patient discharged, but with the option to refer back at any time via the website: Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy | NHS Lanarkshire (scot.nhs.uk)
- 6 month patient initiated return (PIR), allowing the patient to call for a follow-up appointment should their condition not improve without the need to re-refer
- Follow-up appointment arranged with the physiotherapy team
Feedback so far…
Care Opinion feedback
Patient Experience was an average rating of 4.7 out of 5
Further information
If you would like any further information please contact PhysioMSK.Redesign@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
