Physio Network

[Physio Explained] Behind the scenes of a first contact physio with Helen Welch

In this episode with Helen Welch we explore some of the complexities in Primary Health Care. We discuss:

  • Role of a first contact physio and the types of patients they see
  • Expectations of First Contact Physios (FCP’s)
  • The importance of managing these patients in a holistic manner
  • Burnout and the impact of this on FCP’s 
  • How to get involved as a FCP

Helen Welch is a consultant MSK physiotherapist and First Contact Practitioner (FCP) lead in the West Belfast Federation, where she oversees advanced MSK assessment and management. With extensive postgraduate training, Helen is a non-medical independent prescriber, qualified in joint and soft tissue injections, and a CASE-accredited MSK sonographer skilled in ultrasound-guided interventions. A former Chair of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP), Helen has played a key role in shaping national MSK practice standards through her leadership in the UK MSK partnership group.

👉🏻 Learn more about Physio Network’s Research Reviews here - https://physio.network/reviews-welch

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Our host is @James_Armstrong_Physio from Physio Network