First contact physiotherapists (FCPs) ease the pressure on GPs and reduce onward referrals to secondary care, while reducing the number of investigations patients undergo.
FCPs provide musculoskeletal (MSK) expertise right at the start of the patient pathway and are fully funded under the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme.
Below are some helpful resources that can support you to implement a first contact physiotherapy service in your area.
First contact physiotherapy implementation tools
The CSP has developed a variety of tools and resources, as examples, to support the implementation of FCP services – from workforce planning to practical considerations to governance for FCP staff.
Example job descriptions for a band 7 and 8a first contact physiotherapist
These job descriptions provide a comprehensive and extensive outline of the scope, duties and responsibilities of MSK FCP roles.
FCP phase 3 evaluation data
Learn more about the impact FCP services have on general practice and patients via our national FCP evaluation or listen to the researchers and services involved discussing the key findings in a special podcast episode.
First contact physiotherapy GP resources
A suite of resources to support first contact physiotherapy services in primary care, from promotional posters to phone scripts and care navigation guides.
First contact physiotherapy case studies
Browse our case study library to find out how GP practices in different areas of the UK have developed their FCP service to meet the needs of the diverse populations they serve.
Stronger My Way: top tips for first contact physios
Strengthening tips and resources designed to help you champion our Stronger My Way campaign with your patients and your primary care peers.
HEE Roadmaps to Practice
These documents provide a clear educational pathway from undergraduate to advanced practice for clinicians wishing to pursue a career in primary care and a standardised approach to care for patients.
Care Quality Commission FCP mythbuster
This CQC mythbuster describes the responsibilities for providers when recruiting and managing staff deployed in first contact physiotherapy (FCP) roles in primary care settings.
