First Contact Physio (FCP) role information:
What is an FCP?
- The First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) service for adults, 16 years and above, offers a fast and convenient musculoskeletal service at the patient GP surgery without having to see a GP first.
What is an FCP?
- A First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) is a healthcare professional working at an advanced clinical level with in-depth knowledge and experience of musculoskeletal (MSK) problems, who can provide clinical assessment, diagnosis, and a personalised management plan for patients with joint, muscular or nerve symptoms.
What do FCPs do?
- They provide thorough clinical assessments and diagnosis either in clinic or on the telephone.
- They provide evidence-based management plans of MSK conditions in line with NHS guidance, considering patients’ preferences with treatment options to provide personalised self-management advice.
- They work closely with local NHS services and can refer onwards to MSK physiotherapy, Advanced Practice Physiotherapists, Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, Pain Management or Community Care.
- They can provide details of support services such as smoking cessation, weight management and community exercise programmes.
- They can refer for X-rays, ultrasound scans or blood tests if clinically indicated.
- They can provide ‘fitness for work’ notes as appropriate.
- Some FCPs offer corticosteroid injections for pain relief or prescribe specific medicines.
- They do not provide physiotherapy treatment but may refer the patient to physiotherapy
How can I make an appointment with an FCP?
- Call your GP practice and if they have FCPs, ask for an FCP appointment.
What are the benefits of FCPs?
- Quick and easy local access to MSK clinicians means less waiting time to see a specialist in MSK conditions, which promotes earlier management and provide personalised self-management advice.
- Early assessment allows patients to be screened for masquerading conditions presenting with MSK-like symptoms.
- If the patient’s symptoms are not physio-related, I.e. are due to a medical condition, rather than a MSK condition, then the patient can be directed to the most appropriate service or clinician.
- Most patients can be managed effectively with education and self-management advice on the first consultation. Therefore, preventing patients from developing chronic symptoms and having unnecessary investigations, which could delay their treatment.
- Working closely alongside other medical professionals promotes communication and holistic patient care.
- Improving patients’ health through referring to services to support smoking cessation, weight management and promote physical activity.