RefHelp - NHS Ayrshire and Arran
The way in which people living in Ayrshire & Arran with a musculoskeletal complaint can access support is complex and has changed considerably in recent times. There has been considerable growth of the MSK Primary Care services both nationally and locally. In Ayrshire and Arran there is provision for 46 of 53 practices. The national Musculoskeletal Advice and Triage Service, which provided patients with a self-directed access route was stepped down in 2020 and there are no plans for it to be reinstated. Locally, work is underway to develop a safe, effective and efficient process to enable patients to make self –referral to the service thereby reducing unnecessary demand in primary care and out of ours services.
MSK, like many other specialties across our Health and Social Care Service have experienced an increase in complexity of those requiring support. This change in demand to the service has been compounded by the effects of the pandemic, and as a consequence consideration must be given to the changing need of the population.
A review of the clinical pathways has been undertaken to reflect new opportunities to support our population effectively. Advances have been made in digital resources and emerging evidence has been reviewed to ensure care provision is in line with research evidence and best practice guidelines.