Article
Rehabilitation
R. Goodwin, F. Moffatt, P. Hendrick, S. Stynes, A. Bishop, P. Logan
Summary: The FCP model, where expert MSK physiotherapists undertake the first patient consultation, has shown positive outcomes in terms of patient care and GP capacity. Qualitative evaluation reveals patient confidence in self-management techniques through FCP, positive experiences reported by patients, and staff satisfaction working within FCP services.
Article
Rehabilitation
S. Stynes, K. P. Jordan, J. C. Hill, G. Wynne-Jones, E. Cottrell, N. E. Foster, R. Goodwin, A. Bishop
Summary: This study evaluated the effects and success criteria of the FCP model at 40 sites and 240 participants in England, finding that at 3-month follow-up, pain intensity decreased, MSK-HQ scores improved, and 64% of patients reported overall improvement since seeing the FCP. However, only 29% of employed individuals received specific work advice from the FCP.
Article
Rehabilitation
Cameron Black, Sivaramkumar Shanmugam, Heather Gray
Summary: This study aims to identify the challenges and learning and development needs of FCPs in providing Occupational Health (OH) information in the form of fitness for work advice and sickness certification for patients with musculoskeletal conditions in primary care. The research provides new evidence and informs professional development needs in this area, complementing Health Education England's FCP practice educational pathway.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sylvia Pellekooren, Marianne Donker, Eddy Reijnders, Lamyae Boutalab, Raymond Ostelo, Maurits van Tulder, Annelies Pool-Goudzwaard
Summary: This study explores the experiences and perceptions of Advanced Practitioner Physiotherapists (APPs) and General Practitioners (GPs) in implementing APP within Dutch primary care. The study identifies the critical roles of trust in APP, the need for continuous support from GPs, the strengthening of APPs' position, and the tensions created by the implementation of the APP model.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hector Hernandez-Lazaro, Maria Teresa Mingo-Gomez, Sandra Jimenez-del-Barrio, Silvia Lahuerta-Martin, Ignacio Hernando-Garijo, Ricardo Medrano-de-la-Fuente, Luis Ceballos-Laita
Summary: This scoping review aimed to compare the researcher's perspective with the ICF core set for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions and identify additional ICF categories that deviate from the core set. The results showed that 84.2% of the ICF core set can be measured by the outcome measures analyzed. However, 68 additional ICF categories were identified that were not related to the core set, raising questions about the applicability of the core set in primary care physiotherapy units.
Review
Orthopedics
Simon Lafrance, Raphael Vincent, Anthony Demont, Maxime Charron, Francois Desmeules
Summary: This study found that there is good concordance between advanced practice physiotherapists (APPTs) and physicians in terms of diagnosis and surgical triage. Patients managed in an advanced practice physiotherapy (APP) model of care reported comparable or greater reductions in pain and disability compared to usual medical care.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Andrews K. Tawiah, Francois Desmeules, Laura Finucane, Jeremy Lewis, Marguerite Wieler, Emma Stokes, Linda J. Woodhouse
Summary: The study revealed that advanced practice in physiotherapy exists globally, with some confusion in terms of titles and practice requirements. Most advanced physiotherapy practitioners have a combination of clinical practice and a Master's or Doctoral degree. Major facilitators to the development and sustainability of the role include research evidence, advocacy by the professional organisation, the need to reduce cost, and support from employers.
Article
Orthopedics
Mark L. van Tilburg, Corelien J. J. Kloek, Martijn F. Pisters, J. Bart Staal, Johanna M. van Dongen, Marjolein de Weerd, Raymond W. J. G. Ostelo, Nadine E. Foster, Cindy Veenhof
Summary: This study aims to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Stratified Blended Approach with usual physiotherapy in patients with neck and/or shoulder complaints, attempting to provide personalized physiotherapy care based on the patient's condition and suitability.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Andrew Ellner, Nisha Basu, Russell S. S. Phillips
Summary: Primary care is foundational to health systems and a common good. The workforce is threatened by outdated approaches to organizing work, payment, and technology. Primary care work should be restructured to support a team-based model, optimized to efficiently achieve the best population health outcomes.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Victoria K. Welsh, Kayleigh J. Mason, James Bailey, Ram Bajpai, Kelvin P. Jordan, Christian Mallen, Claire Burton
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in changes in primary healthcare consultations and analgesic prescribing for rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) in the UK. The number of consultations dropped significantly after the introduction of pandemic-related restrictions and had not fully recovered by October 2021. The proportion of RMD consultations with analgesic prescriptions, including strong opioids, increased during the pandemic. Higher proportions of strong opioid prescriptions were observed in the most deprived areas.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
Shae E. Quirk, Heli Koivumaa-Honkanen, Risto J. Honkanen, Mohammadreza Mohebbi, Bianca E. Kavanagh, Jeremi Heikkinen, Lana J. Williams
Summary: This study presents a protocol for a systematic review to evaluate the associations between personality disorder (PD) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in population-based studies. The review will include observational studies and will involve literature search, data extraction, and critical appraisal, with the possibility of conducting meta-analyses.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Vincent A. van Vugt, Ha T. N. Ngo, Johannes C. van der Wouden, Jos W. R. Twisk, Henriette van der Horst, Otto Maarsingh
Summary: This study evaluated the long-term effects of internet-based vestibular rehabilitation (VR) on patients with chronic vestibular syndrome. The results showed that internet-based VR maintained improvement of vestibular symptoms for up to 36 months in patients with chronic vestibular syndrome.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Cecilie Rud Budtz, Helle Ronn-Smidt, Janus Nikolaj Laust Thomsen, Rikke Pilegaard Hansen, David Hoyrup Christiansen
Summary: The study found that physiotherapists were more likely to make correct management decisions in patients with musculoskeletal conditions, while wrong decisions were more common in the category of underlying medical conditions. Experience and passed quality audit were positively associated with correct management decisions, emphasizing the importance of ongoing awareness and education in differential diagnostics.
BMC FAMILY PRACTICE
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Daniel Caesar Torp, Annelli Sandbaek, Thim Praetorius
Summary: This study examined general practitioners' technology acceptance of video consultations for managing type 2 diabetes in general practice. The results showed that perceived usefulness was the primary driver of general practitioners' positive attitude towards video consultations.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Annette Bishop, Ying Chen, Joanne Protheroe, Reuben O. Ogollah, James Bailey, Martyn Lewis, Kelvin Jordan, Nadine E. Foster
Summary: This study investigated the impact of patient direct access to NHS physiotherapy on GP consultations for musculoskeletal conditions. The results showed inconsistent impact on general practices and clinical management. The study provides valuable insights for future research in this area.
Article
Rehabilitation
Sarah E. Bennett, Nicola Walsh, Timothy Moss, Shea Palmer
Summary: This study explores the psychosocial impact of Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Hypermobility Type) on participants' lives and identifies effective coping strategies. The findings highlight the significant impact of the conditions on participants' psychosocial well-being, and suggest coping approaches such as acceptance, building social networks, and learning about joint hypermobility. Further research is needed to improve information provision, address psychological support, and increase awareness of hypermobility among healthcare professionals.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
Editorial Material
Rheumatology
Charlotte A. Sharp, Laura Swaithes, Benjamin Ellis, Krysia Dziedzic, Nicola Walsh
Editorial Material
Rheumatology
Laura Swaithes, Krysia Dziedzic, Charlotte A. Sharp, Benjamin Ellis, Nicola Walsh
Article
Orthopedics
Stephen J. Preece, Nathan Brookes, Anita E. Williams, Richard K. Jones, Chelsea Starbuck, Anthony Jones, Nicola E. Walsh
Summary: A new intervention named Cognitive Muscular Therapy has been developed for knee osteoarthritis, aiming to empower individuals to change muscle activation patterns and beliefs associated with pain. The intervention combines psychologically informed practice with biofeedback training and has shown positive preliminary feedback.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Sarah E. Bennett, Nicola Walsh, Tim Moss, Shea Palmer
Summary: This study aimed to determine recommendations for an HSD/hEDS self-management intervention, incorporating various behavior change techniques such as education, training, environmental restructuring and enablement, and modeled behavior. Participants indicated poor access to psychological support, occupational therapy, and a lack of knowledge about HSD/hEDS, suggesting a need for further research to evaluate intervention options.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
Jennifer Pearson, Jessica Coggins, Sandi Derham, Julie Russell, Nicola E. Walsh, Erik Lenguerrand, Shea Palmer, Fiona Cramp
Summary: This study aimed to determine the practicality and acceptability of conducting a future definitive randomised controlled trial of the Fibromyalgia Self-management Programme (FSMP) in a community setting. The results showed that recruiting people with fibromyalgia from Primary Care to participate in a randomised controlled trial testing the FSMP in a community setting is feasible, although improvement in trial attrition and engagement with the intervention is needed.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2022)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
K. Lambe, S. Guerra, G. Salazar de Pablo, S. Ayis, I. D. Cameron, N. E. Foster, E. Godfrey, C. L. Gregson, F. C. Martin, C. Sackley, N. Walsh, K. J. Sheehan
Summary: This study synthesized evidence on the effectiveness of inpatient rehabilitation treatment ingredients for older adults following an unplanned hospital admission. The results showed that incorporating endurance exercise, early intervention, and shaping knowledge into rehabilitation interventions improved walking endurance after the inpatient stay. Additionally, early intervention, repeated practice activities, goals and planning, increased medical care, and/or discharge planning increased the likelihood of discharge home. However, rehabilitation interventions did not show effectiveness for functional mobility, strength, quality of life, length of stay, or mortality.
Article
Immunology
Ilhem Berrou, Kathryn Hamilton, Clare Cook, Clare Armour, Sian Hughes, Jude Hancock, Sally Quigg, Huda Hajinur, Seema Srivastava, Charlie Kenward, Amjid Ali, Laura Hobbs, Elena Milani, Nicola Walsh
Summary: The devastating impact of COVID-19 has led to the accelerated development and deployment of vaccines. However, vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge. Tailored vaccination programmes that address individual and community concerns can improve uptake rates and achieve herd immunity. The Maximising Uptake Programme in the UK has successfully vaccinated high-risk populations through outreach work and targeted communication.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sophie Turnbull, Nicola E. Walsh, Andrew J. Moore
Summary: This study evaluated the experience and implementation potential of an SDM tool for knee osteoarthritis in a specific region in the UK. Results showed barriers and facilitators to adapting and implementing the tool, including organizational culture, clinician buy-in and awareness, accessibility and usability challenges, and adaptation for underserved communities. Recommendations include selecting tools with strong evidence base, seeking legal advice, using existing guidance for intervention development and adaptation, and applying co-design methods to improve accessibility and acceptability of adapted tools.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Jacqueline Mullan, Janet Smithson, Nicola Walsh
Summary: This study aimed to explore the experiences of independent prescribing in primary care from the perspectives of physiotherapists and General Practitioners (GPs) and identify its implications for contemporary physiotherapy practice. The findings showed that physiotherapists were satisfied with their independent prescribing qualification, but frustrated by the current UK Controlled Drugs legislation. They identified vulnerability, isolation, and risk as potential challenges, but highlighted the importance of clinical experience and 'patient mileage'. It was concluded that there is a need to establish the value and impact of physiotherapy independent prescribing, review the permitted formulary, and develop support mechanisms for physiotherapists to advance and sustain their prescribing autonomy in primary care.
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alice Berry, Carey McClellan, Ben Wanless, Nicola Walsh
Summary: This study aimed to illustrate how the content and functionality of getUBetter align with recognized behavioral theory, effective behavior change techniques, and clinical guidelines. The findings showed that getUBetter utilizes various behavior change techniques and persuasive design principles to effectively support patients in self-managing their conditions.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Rheumatology
Leah Morris, Pam Moule, Jennifer Pearson, Dave Foster, Nicola Walsh
Summary: This study used realist synthesis to explore factors that influence patient acceptability of advanced practitioner roles in primary care. Eight theory areas were identified as potentially impacting patient acceptability of the role, leading to the development of 19 hypotheses on the role of advanced practitioners. The study highlights the importance of patients' prior experience, expectations, communication, and practitioners' scope of practice in influencing role acceptability.
MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Jennifer Pearson, Jessica Coggins, Erik Lenguerrand, Sandi Derham, Julie Russell, Nicola E. Walsh, Fiona Cramp
Summary: This study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of delivering the Fibromyalgia Self-Management Programme in a community setting, providing information for a future efficacy study. The research will involve recruiting 70 FM patients for a randomized controlled trial, with analysis based on patient-reported outcomes and health economic data.
MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Alice Berry, Candy S. McCabe, Serena Halls, Sarah Muir, Nicola Walsh
Summary: This study shows the central role that motives, gains, and self-efficacy play in facilitating engagement with physical activity among people with OA. Future interventions should focus on enhancing self-efficacy for physical activity and promoting autonomous forms of motivation by emphasizing the importance of choosing enjoyable activities and highlighting the value of social engagement.
MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE
(2021)