Following a significant Programme of Engagement in 2015 we transformed patient pathways to enhance MSK services in Buckinghamshire.
The resulting collaborative provider model has benefitted patients by delivering coherent, joined up services with better communication between medical professionals and patients.
We deliver a bespoke local service, working closely with other providers to deliver seamless care for patients. We are embedded in the local healthcare economy interacting with NHS, not for profit and voluntary organisations.
Providing GPs with pathways for managing common MSK conditions in primary care and timeframes for referral based on presentation has improved patient care. Direct access for GPs to advice and guidance on specific patient management and having our First Contact Practitioners (FCPs) in some practices across the county has improved timely access to care for those who need it.
Our close working relationships with other providers has established whole system collaboration which means that service improvement continues to grow within the ICS. Alongside our secondary care orthopaedic consultants at the acute trust we introduced joint face-to-face MDT clinics with Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners (APPs) and following their success the set up of virtual spinal case review clinics has allowed huge improvements in patient’s journey through MSK services.
Our ‘green card’ scheme allows patients who have been discharged from the service to rebook, for the same condition, for up to nine months, without having to be referred by their GP, improving timely access to treatment and reducing the burden on primary care.
