First Contact Practitioner

Overview

Takes professional responsibility as a first-contact practitioner (MSK), with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage and onward referral of patients. Manages a complex caseload in lieu of a GP (including patients with long-term conditions, co-morbidities and multi-factorial needs). Leads, manages and contributes to service delivery.

The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role with initial and on-going discussions with the designated manager. This role profile is intended to provide a broad outline of the main responsibilities only. Flexibility: duties may be altered from time to time in light of changing circumstances, in discussion with the post holder.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive MSK assessment, triage, and onward referral as appropriate, and lead in service delivery within a fast-paced primary care setting.
• Develop and streamline pathways of care to ensure timely access to care and proactive, preventative, population-based approaches; promote early intervention.
• Collaborate with the MDT to develop effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services; manage complex interactions with individuals with psychosocial and mental health needs.
• Utilise advanced clinical skills (including, where applicable, non-medical independent prescribing, joint/soft tissue injections, joint aspirations) and exercise professional judgement in unpredictable situations.
• Communicate effectively with patients and carers about diagnosis, prognosis and care plans; provide patient-centred care tailored to individual needs.
• Monitor referrals to the FCP role for appropriateness and obtain additional information from referrers as required to inform patient care.
• Provide clinical leadership, education, and learning opportunities for the multi-professional team within primary care; participate in training and development of junior staff and students.
• Work with PCN MSK Lead, senior GP Partners, local MDT MSK teams and other colleagues to co-ordinate training and development opportunities and ensure compliance with professional standards.
• Conduct comprehensive and highly specialised physiotherapy assessments, including consideration of psychological and social factors, and formulate individual treatment plans aligned with evidence-based practice.
• Reassess patient progress and adapt treatment plans as required; conduct face-to-face clinics following clinic standard operating procedures; integrate injections and independent prescribing with non-pharmacological approaches.
• Provide clinical reasoning, signpost to appropriate services, and refer to other services and multidisciplinary teams as needed; manage risk in unpredictable situations to uphold patient safety.
• Conduct patient telephone triage when required and record initial assessment details on electronic records.
• Demonstrate highly developed physical skills for assessment and interventions, including manual physiotherapy techniques and therapeutic handling.
• Adhere to professional and legal responsibilities and accountabilities for all aspects of own work; liaise with referrers regarding physiotherapy services.
• Ensure compliance with HCPC/CSP/HEE and mandatory training relevant to the role.

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of neuromusculoskeletal symptomatology and evidence-based practice.
• Evidence of advanced clinical examination skills and ability to recognise MSK masquerades and bone tumours in MSK presentations.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to maintain high levels of communication with the whole team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritise effectively and manage time efficiently.
• Accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration, supported by peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice.
• Capability to lead a patient-centred approach and promote timely access to care.

Other Factors

• Physical effort: Moderate physical effort required in short periods; fine motor skills and high dexterity for certain interventions.
• Mental effort: Concentration required with a variable workload and possible interruptions.
• Emotional effort: Empathy required; occasional communication of unpleasant and sensitive news; ability to support distressed patients.
• Working conditions: Occasional exposure to unpleasant smells; may involve exposure to bodily fluids.
• Mobility/Flexibility: Working location may vary; access to insured transport required; ability to drive and travel within Wolverhampton/Bilston/Black Country area.
• Compliance: To comply with HCPC and CSP standards, national guidelines, and location-specific procedures.

Note: Some boilerplate or site-specific notices have been removed to focus on role responsibilities and qualifications. This role is subject to the terms of the employing organisation.