Hundreds of patients around Highland are benefitting from an interactive online product that offers faster access to GP physiotherapy services.
NHS Highland was the first area in Scotland to introduce Phio, a free, clinically-supported digital tool that provides immediate support for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
Since a trial of the service was launched last December, it has been used by 812 people, ranging in age from 16 to 88, across the north of Scotland.
Phio is available throughout the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership (HHSCP) area, which stretches from Lochaber in the south to Thurso in the north and from Skye in the west to Nairn in the east. More than 94% of GP practices across the 26,000 square kilometre area are taking part.
Funding was secured for the one-year trial to assess the tool’s potential to improve access to physiotherapy services within general practice, reduce appointment waiting times and enhance the capacity of the existing First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP) service.
Jude Arnaud, NHS Highland’s FCP Clinical Lead, said: “As the first area in Scotland to use this tool to complement existing services, it was difficult to gauge at the outset what the response would be.
“The results have been hugely encouraging, with people starting to try Phio as soon as we launched it and the numbers growing steadily week-by-week across the area as word has spread about its benefits.
“From the data and feedback we have received it is particularly pleasing to see that patients in all age groups, from 16 upwards are finding the service simple to use as well as helpful.
“We have had a considerable number of positive comments about Phio, both from patients and from doctors in the general practices.”
Overseen by Phio’s physiotherapists, the tool, is accessible on mobile phones and other devices, directs users through an online clinical assessment to the appropriate care.
This can be urgent care for those presenting with ‘red flag’ symptoms, face-to-face care with a GP or First Contact Physiotherapist, or, if clinically suitable, a tailored exercise programme with in-app clinical support and remote management. Progress on the programme is continually supported and monitored by Phio’s team of specialist MSK physiotherapists.
Under the current trial, Phio is available to everyone across Highland aged 16 and over, with an MSK condition and registered with a GP practice. It is accessible 24-hours-a-day on any device with an internet connection.
Fiona Ward, NHS Highland's FCP Clinical Lead, said: “As we approach the halfway point of the trial, the results to date are highly impressive. They show Phio is strengthening the FCP service by giving patients faster, easy access to MSK physiotherapy care, information and advice to ensure they get the right care at the right time.
“It is a great addition to the services we are able to provide. It is important to stress, though, that the existing FCP service throughout the Highland HSCP area will remain the same. Using Phio is entirely the patient’s choice and offers another option they can use to support their MSK condition.”
Dr Al Miles a GP based at the Grantown-on-Spey Medical practice added: "Phio represents a significant expansion in capacity and accessibility for physiotherapy services in Highland for our patients. It is exciting to see 24/7 virtual access to physiotherapy assessment and advice, and it is not surprising patient feedback is overwhelmingly positive. GPs welcome the addition of this very helpful treatment tool."
Patients can speak to their GP practice about using Phio, or see more information on our First Contact Physiotherapy page.