Adopting the holistic approach

Guest blog by Professor Anthony Woolf, Chair, ARMA

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditionshave a huge negative impact on the health of the population.People with MSK problems making a first approach tohealth services can find it difficult to access the right support and some experience delays in getting thecorrect diagnosis and management, which can result in prolonged impact such as ongoing pain and work loss.

Launched a few weeks ago, the Musculoskeletal core capabilities framework for first point ofcontact practitionershas been developedin partnership by the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA), NHS England, Skills for Health, Public Health England and Health Education Englandto ensure that people with MSK problems get what they have expressed they want – rapidaccess to diagnosis and early management advice, being fully involved in their care through shareddecision-making and self-management.They want confidence in the advice they are receiving and in the capabilities of the health practitioner, their problems and concerns understood and responded to and they want a holistic approach to their problem.

This framework aims to ensure that the range of healthcare professionals who work with patients with MSKproblems can play a full role in helping to manage any MSK problem appropriately at the first point of contact. Working in a team and sharingchallenges, first contact MSK practitioners can ensure the person with an MSK problem gets rapidaccess to the right support without the person getting lost inwhat can feel likea maze of different care pathways. The first point of contact is important to ensure that potential emergencies are recognised and that thenext step in the pathway occurs seamlessly and as efficiently as possible. This willalso help relieve pressures on primary and secondary care.

This framework of core capabilities offers clear definitions against which to improve and assure -foremployers, clinicians, regulators, primary care training hubs,commissioners and practitioners themselves. It also emphasises the need for modernised skill sets that support person-centredapproaches and include shared decision-making, prevention, and support self-management and focuses on what enables people to stay active and independent. Most importantly it will give the public assurance of the capabilities of the person they are seeking help from.

There is a growing consensus across health and care for new approaches and targeted interventions to promote healthier ageing. Thisframework has been developed by the whole musculoskeletal sector -includingpatients and health professionals – collaborating on an issue we all agree is important. It is focused on the needs and expectations of people withMSKproblems; with recognition by the health professions that there needs to be harmonisation of core capabilities across the sector to ensure that the right care is provided from that first point that someone presents withan MSKproblem seeking a solution.

ARMA is pleased to have played a part in creating this framework that should make a real difference to patient outcomes.