The introduction of Musculoskeletal First Contact Practitioners (FCP) is a key element of NHS England and NHS Improvement's approach to improving patient care and easing the pressure on GP surgeries.

MSK conditions account for 20 per cent of a GP's caseload, FCP services place advanced musculoskeletal practitioners in primary care teams providing timely care to patients and increasing GP capacity overall. A new implementation guide has been developed which can be viewed here.