Physio First establishes Keele University link to boost the 'quality and consistency of MSK care'
Physio First has taken advantage of a ‘historic opportunity’ by establishing close links with the internationally-renowned Centre for Musculoskeletal (MSK) Health Research at Keele University.
The UK's leading organisation for physiotherapists practising in the private sector has announced that it will re-locate its cornerstone Data for Impact (DfI) and Quality Assurance schemes to the Keele University centre.
The integration of the DfI with Keele University's National MSK Audit and Research Database will enable the collection, analysis, and reporting of real-time data across community and primary care services, Physio First said.
Feedback gained from patient and public consultations highlighted the need to incorporate private practices into this data collection system. By merging insights from private clinics with NHS services, Physio First said it would ‘elevate the quality and consistency of primary care for MSK conditions nationwide’.
Katie Knapton, Physio First’s chair, told Physio Update: ‘This initiative provides physios with the ability to view their individual and clinic outcomes alongside national standards. Providing access to comprehensive data that helps you refine treatment plans, improve patient outcomes, and enhance your professional development. This valuable information also serves as a powerful tool for marketing your practice and showcasing your skills.’
Describing the move as an ‘excellent opportunity’ for all physios to be part of a national movement to collect data that ‘highlight the quality’ of physiotherapy practices, Katie noted: ‘Together, we can demonstrate the excellence of the care we provide.’
‘This is a historic opportunity for real-time, standardised information for both private and NHS physiotherapy practices. It marks a significant advancement in our mission to support quality physiotherapy since 1952,' she added.
The DfI project began in 2009 at the University of Brighton and evolved into its current form to enhance MSK care. The move to Keele – which is expected to take place next month – should help to improve data collection and analysis. Clinicians will benefit from a simplified data process, collaboration with practice software companies, and an interactive dashboard for immediate data visualisation and actionable insights.
This is a historic opportunity for real-time, standardised information for both private and NHS physiotherapy practices [Katie Knapton, Physio First]
The DfI project team will also establish regular forums with stakeholders, ensuring comprehensive engagement throughout this initiative.
The National MSK Audit and Research Database project at Keele University seeks to collate, analyse, and report real-world quality data for MSK community and primary care services (focused to community MSK services and First Contact Practitioner primary care services) in order to develop a learning health system approach.
Author: I A McMillan
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