Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.

Hi,

I am setting up a joint MSK podiatry and physiotherapy clinic in our care trust.
I was just wondering if anyone had done so and had any advice?
If you have set up a similar clinic do you have any referral criteria?

Caleigh

 

Hi Caleigh,

I currently work within a joint MSK clinic. As well as Physiotherapists we have specialist GPs working with us.

We found that we had to do extensive "publicity" with the local GP practices so they were aware, that referral pathway was available. All our referrals are from GPs or have been triaged out of the orthopaedic surgeons caseload. It was set up to take the pressure off the orthopaedic surgeons, whose waiting lists had increased dramatically. We do not accept from any other source and currently its working well.

Good luck

Nicola

 

Thanks for your responses.
Looks like they work well, just now have to try and come up with a selection process so the right patients are referred

 

Hi Caleigh,

I run a joint clinic every week. I am employed F/T in a fully integrated MD team (paeds only), I'm the only pod. As per Nicola, we get mostly referrals externally via the orthopod CAS (clinical assessment service), and we save them loads of money and keep their W/L appropriate. We also get internal referrals, either from the physio's who think problems might be coming from lower down (or a 2nd opinion), or from my pod clinics when I suspect higher spinal involvement, or I want a second opinion. So, patients may either come into see me or the physio for a one off opinion and continue then with whoever one of us they belong to, or they may continue their course of treatment with us both. Alternatlivey, they may be triaged to joint clinic and we may decide at any point in their course of treatment that they may be more suitable to either one of us on their own.
I sit on the MSK team with 3 physios. All referrals to our centre are triaged by us to the most appropriate clinic.

Education is really key. We regularly speak to health visitors and GP CPD sessions and this keeps awareness up and referrals approriate.

I love doing joint clinic, you learn so much from each other. It's a great way of winning professional respect too.