FCPE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Perceptions and experiences of a First Contact Practitioner service model among patients, primary care staff and secondary care clinicians: a qualitative interview study
IRAS ID
325551
Contact name
Martin Thomas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are common. They cause pain and affect people’s ability to carry out normal daily activities Most people who experience MSK conditions go to their GP for help. To support GPs, a new First Contact Practitioner (FCP) role has been developed. In this role, health professionals (such as physiotherapists) with specialist skills assess and treat patients with MSK conditions in GP practices. Currently, there is limited research focussing on the perceptions and experiences of the people involved in the FCP service, including patients and staff. In this study, patients who have accessed the FCP service, and the staff who have been involved in the service pathways, will be asked to attend a one-off interview. We plan to interview 15 patients, 15 staff members from GP practices, both clinical and non clinical and 15 secondary care staff members from a linked hospital. Each person taking part will be asked to talk about their experience, what works well in the FCP service and what could be improved. Patients will be recruited to this study from their usual FCP appointments, whilst staff will be recruited through professional networks.
We will use the study findings to improve our understanding of the FCP service and how best to deliver it, and to guide further research.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0912
Date of REC Opinion
28 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion