Training allied health professionals as first contact practitioners in primary care: reflections on lived experience of a GP and podiatrist

Cherry, Lindsey and Polack, Clare (2024) Training allied health professionals as first contact practitioners in primary care: reflections on lived experience of a GP and podiatrist Association for the Study of Medical Education

Abstract

Background: partly due to the GP workforce crisis, Primary Care Networks (PCNs) receive funding to employ Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) as First Contact Practitioners (FCPs), through the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS). Guidance on the training and supervision required to implement the scheme was lacking.

Methods: we present a personal case study of a GP and a podiatrist. We are both health educators and have reflected on, and discussed, the topic at length. We attended training, kept abreast of the politics and literature, and talked to others through local and national networks so feel in a position to ‘make a point’ and lead discussion.

Results: we think an FCP podiatrist should be more than just a podiatrist practising their speciality in a primary care setting. To achieve this, the AHP must be open to learning new ways of consulting, embrace holistic care and contribute to the aim of the whole primary care team. Being a novice learner can be destabilising, particularly for a senior AHP. Both the GP and AHP need to acknowledge the tensions and embrace the uncertainty. Adopting a positive, enquiring, collaborative and supportive approach made the process enjoyable for both parties. Role boundaries are contentious, particularly given the current narrative about replacement of doctors with AHPs but should take into account the individual.

Conclusion: with nurturing, trust and supervision AHPs can add to the Primary care workforce, take work from GPs (not replace them), contribute to the practice, improve patient care and increase job satisfaction.

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Contributors

Author: Lindsey Cherry

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