Musculoskeletal First Contact Practitioner – MSK FCP

Benefits of an MSK FCP

An MSK FCP service is provided by highly trained physiotherapists who are the first point of contact for patients, usually based in GP surgeries. They provide new expertise and increased capacity to general practice and provide patients with faster access to the right care. MSK FCPs have extensive experience in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions and can see MSK patients without the need for a GP appointment.

They are qualified autonomous clinical practitioners who are able to assess, diagnose, treat and discharge a person without a medical referral – where appropriate. If appropriately trained they can refer for investigations when indicated, including blood tests, x-rays and scans. They can also refer patients onto specialist services if required. With additional training MSK FCP’s can prescribe medications and perform steroid injections.

MSK FCP services will relieve pressure in primary care by managing a significant proportion of the MSK workload and brings physiotherapy expertise to the front end of the MSK pathway.

Patients can book to see the MSK FCP in the same way they would access a GP appointment. Reception staff can access guidance to support them in promoting the role of MSK FCP’s and in ensuring this is the appropriate appointment for the patient. First contact physiotherapy GP resources | The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (csp.org.uk)

If a patient requires physiotherapy rehabilitation they will be referred to the physiotherapy service for ongoing care. MSK FCP does not provide ongoing rehabilitation or physiotherapy treatment.

Qualification requirements

An MSK FCP must hold a BSc Hons in Physiotherapy and be registered as a physiotherapist, they must have a minimum of five years post registration training and a minimum of three years postgraduate learning and experience in MSK specifically. However, a broad range of experience is considered ideal for FCP role development. MSK FCP’s must complete the MSK FCP roadmap to practice. This can be completed by a portfolio route or on taught routes at higher education institutes.

First Contact Practitioners and Advanced Practitioners in Primary Care: (Musculoskeletal) A Roadmap to PracticeFirst Contact Practitioners and Advanced Practitioners in Primary Care: (Musculoskeletal) A Roadmap to Practice (hee.nhs.uk)

The roadmap to practice comprises of two parts, part one should be completed prior to entering primary care as an FCP and stage two within 6 -10 months of starting the role (based on FTE hours).

This details the knowledge, skills and attributes required for stage 1 and the capabilities in primary care required for stage 2. 

FCP’s will require a roadmap supervisor – this can be a fellow physiotherapist or GP who has completed the roadmap supervisor training.

Roadmap supervision courses | Health Education England (hee.nhs.uk)

Due to recent changes to FCP training, please follow this link for more information - First Contact Practice FAQs | NHS England | Workforce, training and education (hee.nhs.uk)