People in NHS Highland can now access rapid physiotherapy support for bone, muscle and joint conditions, commonly known as musculoskeletal (MSK), through Phio, a clinically supported digital assessment and self-management service.
Phio works alongside our First Contact Physiotherapy service and offers immediate access to expert advice and support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Following a short online assessment, patients are directed to the most appropriate care pathway, with every assessment reviewed by qualified physiotherapists.
For those suitable for digital self-management, Phio Engage provides a personalised exercise programme alongside ongoing support from a team of physiotherapists through a secure two-way chat function.
Hazel Lyon from Sutherland has used Phio a couple of times now and likes the almost instant access to a service which she found easy and simple to use.
She said: “Putting your details into the initial assessment survey can take a little bit of time but you get a response within 24hrs and they activate the app for your daily use, with suitable exercises for the condition you are concerned about. It saves you possibly waiting weeks for a face to face appointment.
“Exercises are demonstrated with a video, written and verbal instruction. It is very easy to follow and you have the choice to change from easy to more difficult as you progress. I like the flexibility of this and I am able to do them when and where I choose, I even did them in a hotel whilst on holiday.
“You feel supported as you get follow up messages checking in with you every week and there is still that option for an in-person appointment if you decide that would be more preferable.”
Judith Arnaud, Clinical Lead for First Contact Physiotherapists in General Practice, said: “MSK conditions affect around one in three adults in Scotland and are a leading cause of pain and disability. In Highland we have an older, rural population with a rising MSK demand. Digital services such as Phio can help improve access to care, particularly in rural and remote communities, while reducing pressure on frontline healthcare services.
“In just under two years results show that around 77% of people accessing it were found, after clinical review, to be suitable for self-management, that’s three in four assessments that did not require an immediate appointment. Self-referral is on the rise but we also know that just over half of patients accessing it were referred by a clinician.
“Every Phio assessment is reviewed by a physiotherapist and the evidence shows that everyone who started a programme improved. Feedback is also very positive with 90% saying that they would happily use Phio again for an MSK problem. However, using Phio is entirely optional and does not replace access to in-person First Contact Physiotherapy appointments available through local GP practices.”