Health / Hopes that new musculoskeletal care app will reduce waiting times
A NEW digital platform is being launched in Shetland designed to provide faster and more convenient access to physiotherapy services.
NHS Shetland hopes that the Phio app will ultimately lead to reduced waiting times and support the workload of GPs.
The health board and the Shetland health and social care partnership has partnered with leading musculoskeletal digital health provider EQL to launch Phio locally.
It is a digital platform that will assess patients with joint, muscle or back injuries and direct them to the most appropriate care.
Starting today (Tuesday), people aged 16 and over who are registered with one of Shetland’s ten health centres can access Phio.
NHS Shetland said Phio is available on any internet-enabled device, offering a “user-friendly and clinically supported tool to address musculoskeletal conditions from the comfort of home”.
“Under the expert guidance of EQL’s physiotherapists, patients will receive a comprehensive digital assessment and will then be directed to the most appropriate care option,” the health board said.
“Whether that involves urgent attention for ‘red flag’ symptoms or a face-to-face appointment with a GP or physiotherapist, some will be able to progress on to a tailored exercise plan through the app.”
Phio empowers patients to manage their conditions effectively in their own homes by providing them with personalised recommendations and support for their recovery.
The app offers a range of features, including a self-management programme, exercise routines and ongoing remote monitoring from qualified physiotherapists.
It is free to use and is there as an alternative or complementary option for patients to choose to use.
Patients can still access all the current physiotherapy services in Shetland as well as use the new app if they wish.
NHS Shetland’s professional lead for physiotherapy services Gillian Ironside said: “We are extremely proud to have secured the funding for this one-year trial, which was made possible thanks to a £22,500 allocation of reserve funds from Shetland’s Integration Joint Board (IJB) in December 2024.
“This funding is an important step towards improving musculoskeletal care in Shetland, especially for our patients living in remote and rural areas.
“We believe Phio will offer tremendous benefits by helping to reduce waiting times, alleviate the need for travel, and provide more timely care, all while supporting our busy general practitioners.”
This new initiative is designed to enhance access to physiotherapy services, especially for those in rural communities where travelling to appointments can be a challenge.
By improving the accessibility of care, Phio is expected to reduce waiting times and support the workload of general practitioners, allowing them to focus on the most urgent cases while expanding the capacity of Shetland’s first-contact services.
However, patients are still able to access services via their GP, and the Phio app is described as an additional tool to support patients and services.
“Many muscle, bone, and joint problems can be painful, but often they can be treated at home,” Ironside added.
“Managing your condition effectively can help prevent it from getting worse and potentially needing more intensive treatment.
“If you’re experiencing musculoskeletal issues, Phio is a great tool to help guide you to the right care, right when you need it. It offers support in a way that suits you, helping you manage your condition in a timely and convenient manner.
“Using Phio is entirely up to you, but it provides fantastic benefits alongside our existing physiotherapy services, especially for those living in remote and rural areas of Shetland.”
Peter Grinbergs, co-founder and chief medical officer at EQL, said: “Working with NHS Shetland to adopt Phio technology is exactly in line with what we’ve set out to do; helping patients receive the right care for their musculoskeletal conditions and alleviate strains on NHS services at the same time.
“We designed Phio based on the best clinical advice out there, with a view to making physiotherapy accessible for patients everywhere. We’re excited to see how this trial partnership develops and how users respond to the technology.”
Eligible patients with a musculoskeletal injury can find details of how to access Phio at their local health centre or here.
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