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Adopting a Tele-First MSK Physiotherapy Service Model

Covid-19 forced MSK physiotherapy services to adopt a virtual-first approach to clinical assessments. Multi-provider evaluation of this model identified how a service model which prioritises a telephone consultation within 2-3 weeks of referral was considered optimal for services and patients. At best a patient can be supported to self management resources and discharged with SOS, at worst a robust subjective assessment can be obtained and a patient can be stratified to the optimal onward care pathway. Video consultations added more challenges than benefits for this initial consultation but should be considered for certain patient groups who value this approach to their ongoing care.

What is needed to sustain the change?

All local MSK physiotherapy providers to collaboratively refine this model so that it works within their existing setting. A dynamic approach to evaluation of capacity of initial tele-assessments vs fluctuations of referral levels to ensure sufficient available to complete for all patients within 2-3 weeks of referral. Flexible waiting lists for ongoing care pathways will facilitate this, i.e. at periods of high referrals, wait times for onward care will need to be extended and vica versa for when referral levels drop. Training considerations are required to equip junior staff with the clinical reasoning and advanced communication skills to successfully manage tele-assessments.

What is your region?

South East

edited on Jul 9, 2020 by Kyle Beacham
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Carol McCrum Jun 4, 2020

Hi Matt
Thank you for your really helpful post- would be interesting to hear about some of the video consultation challenges that arose with the introduction of digital consultations being i in plan for many services if not already. Thank you

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Carol McCrum Jun 5, 2020

Supports the themes of virtual consultations and technology - reflects the wider national use of teleclinics that occured and with a range of formats - but operational challenges with video clinics described

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Greta McLachlan Jun 9, 2020

Status labels added: Equipment, Guidance, Home Working / Remote Working, Information Sharing, Investment In Technology, Pathway Redesign, Remote Monitoring, Screening, Supported Self Management, Technology (Software/ Apps), Upskilling Of Staff, Virtual Consulting, Horizon 2

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Kyle Beacham Jul 9, 2020

Status labels removed: Equipment, Guidance, Home Working / Remote Working, Information Sharing, Investment In Technology, Pathway Redesign, Remote Monitoring, Screening, Supported Self-Management, Technology (Software/ Apps), Upskilling Of Staff, Virtual Consulting

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