First Contact Practitioner PG Cert

This module aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and clinical reasoning to undertake a systematic clinical assessment for a patient in primary care and plan and justify an appropriate management plan.

This module will develop clinical assessment skills and knowledge to provide advanced care in Primary Care practice. Clinical skills will be supported and discussed in relation to anatomy, physiology, health models, guidelines, evidence base and clinical decision-making frameworks. Clinical decision-making will focus on a systems-based approach to patient assessment and identification and clinical decision-making around ‘red flags’ in triage and planning management

This module will develop clinical assessment skills and knowledge to provide advanced care in Primary Care practice for patients presenting with a musculoskeletal condition. Clinical skills will be supported and discussed in relation to anatomy, physiology, health models, guidelines, evidence base and clinical decision-making frameworks. Clinical decision-making will focus on patient assessment and triage and identification of potential serious pathologies and planning appropriate management.

This module aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and reasoning to undertake a systematic clinical assessment and differential diagnosis for a patient with a musculoskeletal condition presenting in primary care. In addition, the FCP needs to be able to discuss their decision making and justify an appropriate management plan.

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of musculoskeletal conditions and clinical presentations and management for patients presenting in primary care.

• Clinically reason and critically reflect on abnormal clinical findings including potential signs of serious pathology indicated by Red flags.

• Explain and justify clinical decision-making, utilising evidence-informed practice in relation to patients with musculoskeletal conditions and co-morbidities.

• Undertake a comprehensive clinical assessment including consideration of appropriate onward referral and interpretation of diagnostic tests.

• Critically appraise and apply relevant professional, ethical, procedural, and legal responsibilities associated with the FCP role in the management of patients with a musculoskeletal condition.

• Evaluate and plan personal and professional development and educational learning objectives relating to FCP clinical practice.

• Evaluate and plan personal and professional development and educational learning objectives relating to FCP clinical practice.

• Evaluate and plan personal and professional development and educational learning objectives relating to FCP clinical practice.

• Evaluate and plan personal and professional development and educational learning objectives relating to FCP clinical practice.

This module comprises critical analysis of complex problems associated with first contact physiotherapy. 

This portfolio is based on the Knowledge, Skills and Attributes within the Health Education England (HEE) Roadmap to Practice and will consider the four pillars of an FCP working at an advanced masters level in Clinical Practice in Primary Care; Research, Leadership and Management, Education and Clinical Practice.

Students will be expected to demonstrate and engage in critical thinking and reflection in the integration of theory and practice to show how they demonstrate safe, effective practice working at an advanced level as an FCP in primary care.

On completion of the course, you will demonstrate confidence in:

• The use of advanced methods of scholarship
• Techniques to critically evaluate dimensions of theory and practice in First Contact Physiotherapy
• Critical analysis of complex problems associated with first-contact physiotherapy 
• Problem solving, to develop and lead on solutions based on sound evidence, professional and clinical judgment through working with clinical practice and academic guidance