Rheumatology Triage and Assessment by Advanced Practitioner Physiotherapists
In May 2016 rheumatology referrals were outstripping service capacity, leading to increasing waiting times for new patients. Following a review of new patient referrals the team identified that a significant proportion of referrals, though being appropriately referred to rheumatology, were for non-inflammatory conditions. Recognising the changing landscape of the NHS and the emphasis to look at different ways of working we put forward a proposal to pilot a rheumatology advanced practitioner physiotherapist (APP) with the following aims: -
- Improve the triage process
- Streamline the pathway for new patients with non-inflammatory conditions
- Reduce waiting times