RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

PRISM: The PRimary Care Individual Social Norms MSK Data Dashboard: a Feasibility Trial

This study is about making sure people with muscle and joint pain get the best care from physiotherapists working in GP surgeries. Many people in the UK have these aches and pains, and these physiotherapists, called First Contact Practitioners (FCPs), help by seeing patients directly. The study is testing a new online tool called PRISM. This tool gives FCPs feedback on their decisions, like how often they refer for scans or to other services, and shows them how they compare to their colleagues. The main goal is to see if this type of feedback helps FCPs improve their decision-making. We're also checking if it's practical to run a larger study like this in the future, looking at things like how easy it is to find participants and collect information.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2027

Musculoskeletal Disorders

What is this study about?

Many people in the UK suffer from muscle and joint aches and pains, which doctors call musculoskeletal (MSK) problems. To help patients get care faster and ease the pressure on GPs, specially trained physiotherapists now work in local GP surgeries. These physiotherapists, known as First Contact Practitioners (FCPs), are often the first person you see for these types of issues.

Because FCPs are seeing patients directly without them first seeing a GP, it's really important they make the right decisions. While some FCPs have years of experience, others are newer to the role. We've seen that FCPs with less experience might make different decisions, for example, sending patients for more scans or referring them to the GP more often, compared to their highly experienced colleagues. This study wants to explore a new way to support these FCPs and help them consistently provide excellent care.

This study is testing an online tool called PRISM. Think of it like a personalised report card for the FCPs. It shows them information about their own patient care decisions and compares it to their colleagues. For example, it might show if they are using certain services more or less than others. This type of feedback has been shown to help health professionals learn and improve. The study will look at whether using the PRISM tool helps FCPs make more consistent and effective decisions for patients. This is a "feasibility study," which means we're first checking if it's possible and practical to run a bigger study like this in the future within the NHS.

Key takeaways

This study is about improving care for muscle and joint pain through physiotherapists in GP surgeries.
It tests an online feedback tool (PRISM) for physiotherapists to see if it helps them make better decisions.
The goal is to support physiotherapists and ensure consistent, high-quality care for all patients.
Patients involved would contribute information about their health, helping assess the tool's impact.
This is an initial 'feasibility' study to prepare for a larger trial if successful.

Who may be eligible?

This study needs different doctors' surgeries and physiotherapists to take part. For a GP surgery to be involved, their physiotherapists must regularly receive guidance and support from a more experienced physiotherapist. They also need to be registered with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and be able to securely send their patient data each month.

As for patients, you could be involved if you are 18 years old or older and are registered with a GP practice that is part of this study. You would also need to agree to provide information about your health and how you're feeling as part of the study. You can't take part if your problem isn't related to muscles or joints, if you can't understand or speak enough English to answer questions, or if you're not able to give your clear agreement to be in the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a muscle or joint problem?
Are you registered with a GP practice that might be part of this study?
Can you understand and express yourself in English well enough to complete questionnaires?
Are you able to agree to take part in the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are a patient whose GP practice is taking part in this study, you might be asked to participate. This doesn't mean you will use the PRISM tool yourself, as it's designed for the physiotherapists. Your involvement would mainly be about providing information for the study. This would include sharing details about your muscle and joint pain and how it affects you, which helps us understand if the physiotherapists' decisions are leading to better outcomes for patients. The exact details of assessments and how often depend on the design, and you would be fully informed before agreeing to take part. All your information would be kept private.

Potential risks and benefits

Patients who take part in this study may not directly benefit, as the PRISM tool is for the physiotherapists. However, by helping to improve how physiotherapists deliver care, there's a potential long-term benefit for future patients across the NHS. Currently, we don't expect any direct risks to patients taking part, as it mostly involves providing anonymous data. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

City & Hackney Primary Care
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
South Tyneside Integrated Primary Care
Verified postcode
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of muscle and joint problems are included?

This study focuses on any kind of musculoskeletal problem, which means conditions affecting your muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons, like back pain, knee pain, or shoulder problems.

Who are First Contact Practitioners (FCPs)?

FCPs are highly skilled physiotherapists who work directly in GP surgeries. They are often the first person you see for muscle and joint aches, helping to diagnose and manage your condition without you needing to see a GP first.

What is the PRISM dashboard?

It's an online tool that gives physiotherapists feedback about their patient care decisions, comparing their approach to that of their colleagues. It's designed to help them reflect and improve their practice.

Will my GP or physiotherapist know I'm part of the study?

Yes, if your GP practice is involved, they will be aware of the study. Your individual information used for the study will be handled with strict privacy to protect your identity.

What does a 'feasibility trial' mean?

It means this is a smaller, first-step study to check if a future, much larger study can be successfully carried out. We're testing things like how easy it is to find participants and collect information.

How to find out more

Emma L Dunphy, PhD

emma.dunphy@ucl.ac.uk +447510146528 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.