University of the West of England

FRONTIER Study

First Contact Physiotherapy in Primary Care.

The FRONTIER Study is exploring how First Contact Physiotherapy works in general practice.

First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP) allows patients with musculoskeletal problems to see an experienced physiotherapist as their first point of contact in a GP practice. The FRONTIER Study is investigating the clinical impact, patient outcomes and costs of this approach, helping to understand how FCP can support primary care services and improve access to appropriate treatment.

Morph solution

Morph produced a pair of dissemination animations to help communicate the findings of the FRONTIER Study to different audiences.

Explainer Animation (patient version) — a patient-facing animation designed to run on screens in GP waiting rooms. As TV screens in these environments often operate without sound, the animation was designed to work clearly without audio, with on-screen text integrated into the visual design.
Explainer Animation (stakeholder version) — a second animation created for GP practice managers and healthcare stakeholders. This version explained the benefits of First Contact Physiotherapists and helped communicate the study findings to those involved in delivering primary care services.

We have worked with morph multiple times now, have recommended them to others and would not hesitate to partner with them again in the future.

Professor Nicola Walsh, University of the West of England

FRONTIER Study Patient Animation

Musculoskeletal conditions such as back, neck and joint pain are one of the most common reasons people visit their GP.

In many GP practices, patients can now see a First Contact Physiotherapist instead.

First Contact Physiotherapists are highly trained specialists in musculoskeletal conditions.

They can assess, diagnose and help manage problems affecting muscles, joints and bones.

Seeing a First Contact Physiotherapist first can help patients get the right advice and treatment sooner.

It can also help reduce pressure on GP appointments.

The FRONTIER Study is investigating the impact of First Contact Physiotherapists in primary care.

Researchers are looking at how this approach affects patient outcomes, healthcare use and costs.

The study is working with GP practices across the UK.

By understanding how First Contact Physiotherapy works in practice, the study aims to support decisions about how services are delivered in the future.