A first contact practitioner (FCP) is primarily a physiotherapist working at an advanced clinical level who has the essential skills necessary to assess, diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment or referral for musculoskeletal (MSK) problems on a patient’s first contact with healthcare services e.g. when they contact their GP surgery.
As a person-centred service, most appointments include self-management advice, social prescribing, and discussions about physical activity and fitness for work.