A new system which allows patients to self-refer into the physiotherapy service at the Trust has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards.
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust introduced Phio – a digital system which triages patients to the right care, offers early support, increases patient choice, and is helping to reduce waiting times for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
Now the system has been shortlisted for two categories in the HSJ Digital Awards – Optimising Clinical Pathways through Digital, and Supporting Elective Recovery through Digital.
Dr Roanna Burgess, Consultant Physiotherapist and Musculoskeletal (MSK) Service Lead, said: “We are really proud to be shortlisted for these HSJ digital awards.
“It is testament to the hard work and dedication that our MSK team has put into developing new digital pathways to improve care for our population.”
Carolyn Casey, Consultant Physiotherapist for the Trust added: “Digital pathways improve access for our population, by increasing choice and flexibility for those that would struggle to access traditional care. In addition to releasing clinical time, live dashboards support the management of patient flow.”
The Trust’s physiotherapy service has worked in partnership with EQL, the creator of the Phio system, to tailor it to the needs of the service. It offers 24/7 access to self-referral and will also triage patients referred via their GP.
Carolyn added: “It’s allowed our clinicians to focus on delivering face-to-face care and improved access. We are delighted to receive this recognition.”