Transformation Directorate

Musculoskeletal (MSK) digital playbook

How to use digital ways of working to improve outcomes for patients

This resource provides support to clinical teams and organisations that are looking for digital tools that support the delivery of patient pathways. We concentrate on musculoskeletal services and how to deliver monitoring and support to patients. We welcome feedback on the playbooks, including ideas for further case studies. To get in touch, please email digital.playbooks@nhs.net

Scenarios

Promoting good MSK health and wellbeing

Digital solutions to support people to maintain and improve their own health and wellbeing and physical activity

Primary and community triage and consultation

Digital solutions to enable rapid access to advice and guidance and to support decision making around patient care

Primary and community long-term condition management

Support for health professionals managing patients in primary care and the community

Diagnostics

Ordering, sharing and managing clinical investigation data and images virtually

Secondary care

Digital solutions to support patient journey through secondary care

Pathway


MSK pathway

Explore case studies at different steps along the MSK pathway

Case studies

Musculoskeletal first contact practitioner services in primary care

Musculoskeletal first contact practitioner services in primary care

Musculoskeletal first contact practitioners are increasing the skill mix, capability and capacity of primary care, whilst providing timely, effective musculoskeletal care.
Using technology to offer remote consultations to patients

Using technology to offer remote consultations to patients

East Lancashire Therapies Directorate uses video consultation and text messaging software to maintain service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Self-referral for musculoskeletal complaints in Sussex

Self-referral for musculoskeletal complaints in Sussex

Self-referral allows patients to refer to some MSK and physiotherapy services without seeing their GP first.
Digital self-management and self-referral for musculoskeletal complaints in London

Digital self-management and self-referral for musculoskeletal complaints in London

St George’s NHS Foundation Trust is using digital technology to provide immediate day-to-day support to connect people to their local MSK pathway and support services.
Rapid implementation of virtual clinics due to COVID-19

Rapid implementation of virtual clinics due to COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital set a target of reducing face-to-face consultations to 20% of all outpatient attendances.
Virtual fracture clinic for patients with acute bone injury not requiring immediate on-call review

Virtual fracture clinic for patients with acute bone injury not requiring immediate on-call review

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust introduced a virtual fracture clinic model for patients with an acute bone injury not requiring immediate on-call review.
Electronic pre-operative assessment to reduce staff administration and improve patient experience

Electronic pre-operative assessment to reduce staff administration and improve patient experience

South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre introduced an electronic (e-) POA solution allowing data collection from home.
Web-based exercise prescription to provide home exercise programmes

Web-based exercise prescription to provide home exercise programmes

Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust physiotherapy outpatients have implemented a web-based and mobile app exercise prescription programme.
Virtual management of an education and exercise programme for chronic joint pain

Virtual management of an education and exercise programme for chronic joint pain

An evidence-based group intervention adapted to allow patients to access it at home.
Video consultations in North Tyneside Integrated Musculoskeletal Service

Video consultations in North Tyneside Integrated Musculoskeletal Service

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust rolled out video consultations to support MSK as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Close up of person holding a smartphone in both hands

Using text messages to communicate with patients in a musculoskeletal service during COVID-19

A retrospective review of text message communication for a musculoskeletal service during COVID-19.
Virtual multi-disciplinary team meeting to support staff to deliver care and advice remotely

Virtual multi-disciplinary team meeting to support staff to deliver care and advice remotely

Virtual multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting for teamwork and collaboration, providing healthcare professionals with features such as secure screen sharing that will transform the way they work.
2 people in a swimming pool standing up towards the edge

Transforming community venues and leisure centres into musculoskeletal (MSK) health and wellbeing hubs

A digital personalised exercise programme for people living with MSK conditions.
None

Remote pain management programme for persistent musculoskeletal pain

A remote pain management programme after referral from a chronic pain, rheumatology, or surgical clinic.
Person sat on leather sofa clutching knee

Rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery using remote monitoring and wearable technology

Using wearable technology to optimise patients for surgery and help recovery after joint replacement.
Person sat on a chair having a video call with a healthcare professional

Reducing inpatient bed days by moving pre and postoperative orthopaedic care to the home

Transforming orthopaedic postoperative care through remote patient monitoring.
App-supported care for Long Covid patients, optimising health care access

App-supported care for Long Covid patients, optimising health care access

App utilisation to support Long Covid patients and re-shape the relationship between patients and health care providers
Using Artificial Intelligence enabled technology to telephone patients on the elective care waiting list

Using Artificial Intelligence enabled technology to telephone patients on the elective care waiting list

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust implemented an AI solution to improve communications and reduce the number of patients on the waiting list

Musculoskeletal webinar

Watch the musculoskeletal webinar we presented with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) on 15 June 2021.

The Zoom passcode is +6gBTG5q

NHSX is not responsible for the production of this webinar which was hosted on Zoom.

Disclaimer

These case studies summarise user and patient experiences, focussing on:

  • digital solutions along different care pathways
  • productivity improving digital solutions
  • how to open source code for health and care organisations

Unless expressly stated otherwise, the apps and digital tools referenced are not supplied, distributed or endorsed by NHS England or the Department of Health and Social Care and such parties are not liable for any injury, loss or damage arising from their use.

All playbook case studies have either passed, or are currently undergoing the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) assessment.

Please note the full legal disclaimer: NHS Transformation Directorate playbook disclaimer