Girft in Action: Advanced Practice Physiotherapist and Advanced Practice Nurse Expertise Provides Valuable Triage and Assessment Clinics for Non-Urgent Rheumatology Referrals

ABSTRACT

Background/Aims Rheumatology referrals classified as non-urgent/routine are commonly non-inflammatory conditions or medically non-urgent and can have significant waiting times for appointments. These waits were further escalated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Early intervention for noninflammatory conditions can be crucial to good outcomes and long wait-times can have significant adverse impacts while appropriate care pathways are determined. Recent UK GIRFT recommendations include using non-medical health professional expertise in assessment and management pathways to support right place, right time, right care. This study evaluated effectiveness, impacts and patient experiences of Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) and Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Triage and Assessment Clinics for routine new referrals. Methods The non-urgent/routine referral waiting list was e-triaged by a Rheumatology APP and APN supported by clinical record searches. Patients were contacted by telephone to update on clinical status and appointment requirements determined. Triage criteria were applied to determine new referrals suitable for APP and APN Rheumatology clinics, which included low likelihood of inflammatory disease or new referrals for known diagnosis/stable conditions. Clinics were undertaken with collocated Consultant clinical supervision. Assessment findings were discussed and management agreed, or seen if needed. With waiting list attrition, clinics were expanded to include Consultantdetermined stable condition reviews and follow-up reviews for nonsuspected inflammatory disease. Results At 01 July 2021, 214 new routine referrals were waiting a Consultant appointment (n=103 over 2yrs). Since service initiation, clinic outcomes to date include 69% (n=243/358) new routine referrals discharged to GP or directed to right pathway with information, advice and self-management resources;8% (n=29) escalated to urgent;3% (11/358) with medical complexity remained on Consultant waitlist. Most common presentations seen included Osteoarthritis (general or hand);Back and other spinal pain;Fibromyalgia;Persistent Fatigue and Widespread Pain;JHS/hEDS;Positive ANA without clinical features;Musculoskeletal conditions- other. To date, no patients have been re-referred and 329 new patient and 89 follow-up Consultant direct consultations have been spared. There is currently no wait-time for non-urgent/routine appointments. Patient experience feedback on the service has offered a 100% recommendation to continue and expressed highly positive experiences with the MDT approach. Patients value the breadth of expertise and care support, and the timely, thorough and professional service provided. Conclusion Rheumatology non-urgent/routine new referrals with low probability of underlying autoimmune conditions may be effectively and efficiently managed in a collaborative model using an advanced practice physiotherapist and nurse. This innovation has expanded a traditionally medical pathway to an MDT model utilising value-adding nonmedical expertise in service delivery. It has enhanced interdisciplinary learning and is a valued, collaborative approach to patient care. The initiative provides support to GIRFT recommendations of using an MDT skill-set to support improved patient access, service efficiencies and earlier intervention.