Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership is to expand its successful partnership with health tech company EQL through the further development of the digital Phio app, which can be accessed from any electronic device such as a mobile phone, computer or tablet.
This new development, which will be a UK first, will not only offer rapid access to expert support for people with muscle or joint problems through the app on a 24/7 basis, it will now support direct referrals into local physiotherapy services without the need to make an appointment with a GP Practice.
The existing trial of the Phio app has already helped many people to recover from muscle or joint problems from the comfort of their own homes which means that ‘face to face’ physiotherapy resources can be targeted towards those patients who need to see a clinician or who may require surgery.
Fiona Gray, an advanced practice physiotherapist based on Mull, said: “With muscle and joint problems, it’s important to get the right advice and support as quickly as possible as this makes recovery quicker and easier. Being able to provide this support on a 24/7 basis via the Phio app is a huge step forward in the care we can offer across Argyll and Bute.”
Between 20% and 30% of all visits to GP practices relate to a muscle or joint problem and the new process will allow patients immediate access to assessment, supported self-management programmes or direct referral to local NHS physiotherapy services without the need for an appointment at a GP practice.
Derek Laidler, lead physiotherapist for Argyll and Bute, added: "We are really excited about this latest collaboration with EQL using the Phio platform. This new process, which will be the first of its kind in the UK, not only aims to offer rapid access to expert support for people with muscle or joint problems but will also free up capacity within our busy GP practices as most people will no longer need to contact the Practice for an appointment.”
Jay Ward, CEO of EQL, said: "This partnership with Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership represents a major milestone for patients, who are able to access our revolutionary Phio ecosystem for free at point of use, via the NHS. It is a powerful example of how digital and in-person services can work together to improve patient outcomes and ensure timely, equitable access to expert care - no matter where patients live."
Phio has been shown to be an effective way to support patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) problems, and the latest collaboration will see a new streamlined process ensuring anyone with a muscle or joint problem gets the right help and support as quickly as possible. The new digital MSK pathway, the first of its kind in the UK, is a significant milestone in the adoption of digital health in Scotland.
The Phio digital platform can be accessed via an application (app) on your electronic device, such as a mobile phone, computer or tablet through which people are quickly directed to the right source of support for their muscle or joint problems, or provided with resources for self-management. Phio Access is designed to assess a patient’s suitability for self-management or face-to-face care, covering all areas of the body, while Phio Engage provides a clinically supported digital MSK pathway as an alternative to traditional face-to-face care.