Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in Primary Care

The development of first contact physiotherapy (FCP) services across the UK allows people with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions to access MSK physiotherapy expertise at the start of the pathway, ensuring timely access to diagnosis, early management and onward referral if necessary. This benefits patients, primary care and the wider MSK system.

The links and documents here may help you in understanding the value this role can add to your practice.

In Cornwall, a professional network of primary care FCPs runs, offering networking, peer support and relevant CPD opportunities. Please contact us to join this group. In addition, for those FCPs working through the “Roadmap to Practice” we can support you with advice and guidance as you navigate this with your supervisor in the PCN.

Training/Education:

• Registered with the Health Professions Council
• Educated to BSc (Hons)Degree level in Physiotherapy
• Has 3-5 years post graduate experience.
• When commencing a primary care role within the first 6-12 months has signed off the FCP Physiotherapy ‘Road map to Practice’ via the taught or portfolio route.
• Can work at Advanced Practice level

First contact physiotherapy | The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Education Providers of FCP training | NHS England | Workforce, training and education

Musculoskeletal (MSK) First Contact Practitioners | NHS England | Workforce, training and education

Increased pressure and demand on primary care services have been a catalyst for more opportunities for Paramedics to work in this environment.

First contact paramedics are autonomous, diagnostic clinicians with experience in handling undifferentiated and unpredictable cases; conducting an array of clinical assessment, diagnostic, and treatment activities; and directing and signposting care and have been transitioning into enhanced and advanced practice roles within General Practice for a number of years.

Within Cornwall, Paramedics are an already established workforce in General Practice and are increasingly supporting PCN’s to change their care models to best treat their patients.

Training/Education:

• Registered with the Health Professions Council
• Educated to BSc (hons) Degree level or equivalent in Paramedicine.
• Has completed their 2 years ‘Consolidation of Learning’ period as a rotational Paramedic.
• Has a further 3 years’ experience as a Band 6 Paramedic
• When commencing a primary care role within the first 6-12 months has signed off the FCP Paramedic ‘Road map to Practice’ via the taught or portfolio route.
• Can work at Advanced Practice level

Paramedics workforce | Health Education England (hee.nhs.uk)

Paramedic Specialist in Primary and Urgent Care Core Capabilities Framework.pdf (hee.nhs.uk)

For GPs & Practices | Integrating Paramedics into Your Team- Paramedics in Primary Care – toolkit

Dietitians are qualified and regulated healthcare professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public health level.

Working in primary care, dieticians can support patients with a wide range of conditions including obesity, diabetes, IBS and allergies and have the expertise and behaviour change skills to support these patients more quickly and effectively, helping people manage their conditions and make important lifestyle changes.

Training/Education:

• Registered with the Health Professions Council
• Educated to BSc (Hons) Degree level in Dietetics
• Has 3-5 years post graduate experience.
• When commencing a primary care role within the first 6-12 months has signed off the Dietician ‘Road map to Practice’ via the taught or portfolio route.
• Can work at Advanced Practice level

You can find out more about the role and how this could support your practice, along with example job description, via the below links

First Contact Dietician in Primary Care

Occupational Therapists (OTs) support people of all ages with problems resulting from physical, mental, social, or development difficulties.

They provide interventions that help people find ways to continue with everyday activities that are important to them. This could involve learning new ways to do things or making changes to their environment to make things easier.

OTs help GPs to support patients who are frail, with complex needs, live with chronic physical or mental health conditions, manage anxiety or depression, require advice to return or remain in work and need rehabilitation so they can continue with previous occupations (activities of daily living).

Training/Education:

• Registered with the Health Professions Council
• Educated to Degree level in Occupational Therapy
• Has 3-5 years post graduate experience.
• When commencing a primary care role within the first 6-12 months has signed off the FCP Occupational Therapy ‘Road map to Practice’ via the taught or portfolio route.
• Can work at Advanced Practice level

Primary care resources | RCOT

Podiatrists:

Podiatrists are experts in lower limb health and disease, and have the requisite knowledge, skills and training to work as First Contact Practitioners (FCPs) in primary and community care.  Podiatrists work in a variety of places and can work with a team of people including doctors, nurses and physiotherapists.

Podiatrists working in primary care can support patients with a wide range of conditions including Diabetes and Rheumatology as well as wound care.

Training/Education:

• Registered with the Health Professions Council
• Educated to Degree level in Podiatry
• Has 3-5 years post graduate experience.
• When commencing a primary care role within the first 6-12 months has signed off the FCP Podiatry ‘Road map to Practice’ via the taught or portfolio route.
• Can work at Advanced Practice level

Profession specific interventions