The number of people treated for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions is increasing. Lower back and neck pain are the greatest cause of years lost to disability, with chronic joint pain or osteoarthritis affecting over 8.75 million people in the UK. Over 30 million working days are lost due to MSK conditions every year in the UK and they account for 30% of GP consultations in England. Associated with their physical condition, these patients are also facing challenges with mental health, long-term health conditions and isolation. This has been further exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19. Many patients will face longer waits for treatment and intervention, and undoubtedly this will affect their quality of life.
The MSK ‘Early Intervention’ Project has three main aims:
Access: To provide improved access to self-management tools for patients who are waiting for treatment, providing them with tailor made support as they face ongoing challenges with their physical and mental health
Streamlining pathways: To implement simpler pathways for patients, so that they can access the right service for their condition without delay
Social Prescribing: To design and deliver training to clinical staff across Birmingham & Solihull in ‘social prescribing’ so that patients can be signposted to additional support services, having all of their needs met rather than just one
This project is being delivered in partnership with Birmingham Community Healthcare to support those living in Birmingham and Solihull. It is an exciting, ambitious project that will enable us to take specialist MSK skills & advice out into the community, and truly make every contact count.