NHS Borders forms tech partnership with EQL for MSK care

NHS Borders has partnered with EQL to roll out Phio, a digital solution for patients to gain rapid access to musculoskeletal healthcare, improving the health and quality of life for those in the region.

The tech partnership has been launched to help speed up access to musculoskeletal (MSK) care in the Borders region, as well as reduce the demand on GPs and primary care services. It is hoped that the digital solution will improve the quality of life for patients who are suffering with back, neck, joint and muscle pain.

Phio was previously successfully rolled out to patients in the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership area, with a significant reduction in MSK care waiting lists as a result. The new partnership marks the first time that NHS Borders patients have been offered a self-referral facility for MSK issues.

Anyone aged over 16 and who is registered with one of the 23 GP practices in the Scottish Borders, can use Phio to receive a rapid assessment and be signposted to the most suitable support or treatment.

Sarah Horan, director of nursing, midwifery and AHPs at NHS Borders, said: “If you are having MSK issues, Phio is a great way to guide you to the right care in the right place, and help you manage conditions in a timely, supported way that suits you.

“Using Phio is entirely a patient’s choice, but it does offer some fantastic benefits in addition to our current physiotherapy service.”

Patients can log on to the digital Phio platform and under the oversight of EQL’s clinicians and physiotherapists, receive a comprehensive digital assessment. This will also be guided towards the most appropriate form of care to support their recovery. Any ‘red flag’ symptoms will result in a recommendation to access urgent help, while GP or physiotherapist appointments will be recommended as required.

The platform can also help support recovery and the successful self-management of injuries with personalised information and tools. This includes exercise routines, stretches and remote monitoring from a physio or clinician.

Michael Guard, head of clinical at EQL, said: “By empowering patients to take control of their health journey, Phio aims to streamline the pathway to MSK care while providing timely support. The decision to use Phio rests entirely with the patient. It simply serves as an additional avenue for those seeking care.

“Patients opting to use Phio will provide information about their condition. The clinical data gathered through the online consultation is reviewed by qualified physiotherapists, ensuring patients receive appropriate care, treatment, and advice when needed to prevent their condition worsening.”

In January last year, Cognitant and Versus Arthritis teamed up to improve access to information, advice and tools for patients with MSK conditions.