The role of the First Contact Practitioner within primary care (ADV773)

For registered physiotherapists and other health care professionals currently working in or towards the role of First Contact Practitioner in musculoskeletal clinical practice within primary care
CPD for healthcare professionals
FCP hero image

Key features

The aim of this 20-credit masters-level module is to prepare students to deliver high-quality care within the role of First Contact Practitioner in musculoskeletal clinical practice in primary care.

It will equip students to demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, skills, competencies and attributes for this role using critical thinking, complex clinical reasoning and critical reflection skills.

This will enable the students to evaluate the effectiveness of their role and identify their own learning development needs.

The module is delivered in intensive blocks over four days. External lecturers who are specialists in the field of First Contact Practitioner in musculoskeletal clinical practice within primary care are involved in teaching this module.

Applicants will have identified an appropriate supervisor and the support of their workplace to complete this module.

This module has been developed in close collaboration with external stakeholders and national frameworks.

Physio

Module code

ADV773

Credits 

20

FHEQ level 

Level 7 (masters) 

Location 

Blended learning approach with face-to-face delivery at Plymouth

Module details

At the end of the module you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a depth of understanding and the ability to critically evaluate the knowledge, skills and behaviour required for the role of First Contact Practitioner in musculoskeletal clinical practice within primary care, within the context of relevant national frameworks and guidelines.
  • Demonstrate advanced critical thinking, complex clinical reasoning skills and the ability to analyse complex situations with regard to the assessment and management of patients, including onward referral, risk management and the context of wider health determinants.
  • Demonstrate advanced critical thinking regarding evaluation of the role and service provided by the First Contact Practitioner in musculoskeletal clinical practice within primary care.
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect upon your professional practice and identify learning and development needs within the context of the role of First Contact Practitioner in primary care.
This module can be taken as part of your study on the MSc Advanced Professional Practice programme. Please contact the Professional Development Unit for further information.
Employment-related skills
  • On completion, graduates should have developed critical skills related to the First Contact Practitioner in musculoskeletal clinical practice within primary care.
For students who are following a specific pathway within the Advanced Professional Practice Programme, the above learning outcomes will relate specifically to their chosen pathway through the module assessments.
FCP

Module dates

29 January and 5, 19, 26 February 2024.
Occasionally, delivery dates might be subject to change; always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit.
Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers.
In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date.
Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.
FCP

Module lead

Fees

Entry requirements

This module is aimed at physiotherapists and other health care professionals currently working in or towards the role of First Contact Practitioner in musculoskeletal clinical practice within primary care.
Applicants require an appropriate level of experience, which would normally be at least three years of musculoskeletal clinical practice and completion of the ADV767 Advanced Clinical Reasoning in Musculoskeletal Conditions module.
To be eligible for the module, you need to:
  • demonstrate a suitable level of expertise
  • have the support of your employer
  • identify a suitably qualified supervisor within primary care practice
  • be registered with a suitable health professions council or nursing and midwifery council.
Each student will be considered and advised individually (where required) by the programme team and Professional Development Unit.
Please contact the Professional Development Unit or programme lead if you have any queries regarding your situation.
Rehabilitation, physiotheraphy. Hand grasping/squeezing a medical tool.

Admissions information

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
  • Application forms.
  • Change of name forms.
  • Pre-course information.
  • Downloadable guides.
  • Student card.
Admissions information Additional information and documentation required for the application process.Access to application forms, download guides and confirmation information. Visit our admissions homepage.
Green figure with heartbeat image

You can contact the Professional Development Unit with any queries

Prospective student enquiries:
Current student enquiries:
Professional Development Unit, Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom.
Monday – Thursday 8:30–17:00 and Friday 8:30–16:30.