Implementation of a triage based pathway for MSK conditions In line with recent guidance from NHS England, “Elective Care High Impact Interventions for Musculoskeletal Services” 5.2017, to ensure the MSK pathway includes a clinical MSK triage or review process. The clinical triage will provide specialist review of referrals after a GP has made a referral for a musculoskeletal condition. Patients will be reviewed by physiotherapists, advanced physiotherapy practitioners, or GPwSIs who will ensure that patients are directed to the right place for further treatment and/or diagnosis. Clinical triage will ensure that patients are seen in the most appropriate setting across primary and secondary sectors. Whilst ensuring that patients who need to be seen by a hospital consultant are seen as quickly as possible.

Implementation of a triage based pathway for MSK conditions. In line with recent guidance from NHS England, “Elective Care High Impact Interventions for Musculoskeletal Services” 5.2017, to ensure the MSK pathway includes a clinical MSK triage or review process. The clinical triage will provide specialist review of referrals after a GP has made a referral for a musculoskeletal condition. Patients will be reviewed by physiotherapists, advanced physiotherapy practitioners, or GPwSIs who will ensure that patients are directed to the right place for further treatment and/or diagnosis. Clinical triage will ensure that patients are seen in the most appropriate setting across primary and secondary sectors. Whilst ensuring that patients who need to be seen by a hospital consultant are seen as quickly as possible.

Expected outcomes:

— reduce health inequalities by improving access to services, including access to triage and assessment,

— improve clinical outcomes for patients,

— reduce waiting times for patients with musculoskeletal conditions,

— reduce the need for secondary care interventions,

— transfer activity from an acute hospital setting to the community,

— deliver only through clinically agreed and reviewed pathways, published in Map of Medicine,

— get people speedily back into their usual life, including getting people back to work,

— improved skills in primary care.

Promotion of self-management through the use of evidence based education, with reference to approved patient information sources and the evidence based benefits of exercise for specific MSK conditions.