Musculoskeletal (MSK) practitioners in primary care: an evaluation of a MSK core capabilities framework and review process

• Published in: Education for primary care Vol. 31; no. 1; pp. 32 - 35
• Main Authors: Locke, Rachel, Wilkinson, Emma, Collier, Richard, Harden, Beverley
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 02-01-2020
• Subjects: Assessment; Clinical Competence; England; evaluation; Humans; Musculoskeletal Diseases - therapy; Physical Therapists - standards; practitioner support; primary care; Primary Health Care; professional development; England; evaluation; primary care; professional development; practitioner support; Assessment
• ISSN: 1473-9879; 1475-990X
• DOI: 10.1080/14739879.2019.1687016

The General Practice Contract 2019/20 established first contact musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapists in primary care. This paper describes an evaluation exploring the feasibility of using the MSK Core Capabilities Framework and a peer review process to evidence capability. It discusses how this process may be developed to ensure MSK practitioners are able to evidence the level of practice required within the complex environment of primary care. MSK practitioners were supported to evidence their capabilities against the MSK Framework. Twenty-two participants took part in the evaluation of this intervention via semi-structured interviews. A robust and iterative process of qualitative data analysis was undertaken. The findings are framed in terms of Davis' Technology Acceptance Model of evaluation (i.e. user perceptions).
There were a range of perceived benefits of the Framework including as a means of quality assurance, career progression, the promotion of knowledge consolidation and reflective practice. There were however, a number of 'translation into practice' issues. Given the newness of the MSK Framework, it is perhaps not surprising there is a need for refinement. This evaluation highlights key enablers for reviewing capabilities of MSK practitioners: a curriculum; educational supervision; and accreditation. Learning also applies more widely to other emerging role opportunities.