Guest blog by Suzanne Rastrick, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer, NHS England
As I look back on 2018 it has been a great year for AHPs and for the NHS. 2018 has seen acknowledgement of ‘the Brilliance of AHPs’ by Simon Stevens, the Chief Executive of NHS England and development of a number of work areas which have highlighted how AHPs can support the challenges faced by the Health and Social care system in England. AHPs are a diverse group of practitioners recognised for their autonomy with proven ability to apply innovative solutions to the challenges facing communities across health and social care, but also in wider settings such as education, the military, justice, independent and voluntary sectors. AHPs have repeatedly evidenced their ability to take on new roles and step outside traditional boundaries; I view them as 14 jewels each with a unique skill set that can be applied to address the challenges facing communities today.
An excellent example of how AHPs can support current system challenges has been the development of the First Contact Practitioner (FCP) model for people with musculoskeletal conditions. The FCP model has been developed to enable people to access prompt, timely, specific advice and management for their musculoskeletal condition, be that through seeing an Osteopath, Physiotherapist or Podiatrist. Without FCP, people are required to see a GP first to access appropriate management. Access to the right care will support individuals to manage their condition and continue with activities important to them, be that work or leisure.
My first priority for any service development that includes AHPs, is the provision of safe and effective care for citizens, the publication of The Musculoskeletal Core Capabilities Framework for first contact practitioners’ has supported this aim. ARMA delivered this work programme in partnership with NHS England, the National Clinical Director for MSK services and the Elective Care Transformation Programme. The outcome is a document detailing the knowledge, skills and behaviours deemed essential for First Contact Practice. The provision of guidance in this area will ensure consistency and effectiveness of first contact services. The implementation of first contact services for people with MSK conditions, where AHPs with expertise in MSK are very much part of the general practice and primary care team, will improve access to person-centred musculoskeletal care and support.
It was a pleasure to be involved with the development of this framework. Delivery of this model is being rolled out nationally, as a person-centred approach, enabling shared decision making and acknowledging that appropriate management can be achieved for people with MSK conditions without the need for involvement of the GP or a practice nurse, freeing their clinical time to manage people who require their specific skills and expertise.