Published on: 11th April 2024

An important new study investigating the challenges when accessing musculoskeletal (MSK) by economically and socially deprived communities has been awarded a significant funding boost. An award from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School of Primary Care Research (SPCR) to the ‘Way-in to MSK’ study initially aims to improve the delivery of MSK services to communities in two specific areas - Enfield, north London, and Stoke-on-Trent - then apply the learning more widely. The funding of £247,053 in total has been awarded to RNOH, University College London (UCL), and Keele University. 

Feedback from the SPCR identified this research study to be an important project with the potential to have enormous impact on patients and carers as well as primary and secondary care services. Timely access to musculoskeletal services in primary care is important because early intervention can prevent long-term disability in patients. Such conditions not only have a significantly detrimental impact on the patients and their families, but also increase cost and resource pressures on the NHS.  

The 'Way-in to MSK’ research study will conduct a detailed analysis into the challenges people from these communities face when accessing primary MSK care through in-depth qualitative interviews. The knowledge gained from this study will be mobilised across local health services to develop a comprehensive care model that effectively address the identified challenges associated with accessing primary MSK care. This new model will be co-designed by stakeholders and local communities and lead to future research and transformation of local health services.   

Anthony Gilbert, a post-doctoral research physiotherapist at RNOH who is leading the study, said: "We have seen first-hand how difficult it is for people to access MSK care, particularly when they have competing priorities like work, juggling scare finances or accessing food banks to feed their families. This research will help to understand what patients require access to the musculoskeletal care they need.” 

Prof Fiona Stevenson, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care at UCL, said: “I am delighted to support this project which will address the important question of how to help people from deprived communities access primary care physiotherapy to support their health while also making access to care more efficient for providers.” 

The ‘Way-in to MSK’ study brings together a team of experienced researchers from UCL, RNOH, Keele, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Brunel University London, and the University of Hertfordshire, combined with clinicians from RNOH, Royal Free London NHS Trust, the Enfield GP Confederation, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, plus support from North Central London Integrated Care Board. In addition, the project brings in a wealth of experience from two members of the public based in Enfield who have experience of tackling food poverty and representing the views of patients at healthcare forums.   

The research study will run for 26 months and will be completed by April 2026. The project will produce academic publications and reports for the healthcare system across local community groups and members of the public will share knowledge about the problems faced around access to care. It is anticipated that further research funding will be sought to develop and implement solutions to address the problems identified. 

The mission of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. We do this by:

  • Funding high quality, timely research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care; 

  • Investing in world-class expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services; 

  • Partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, improving the relevance, quality and impact of our research; 

  • Attracting, training and supporting the best researchers to tackle complex health and social care challenges; 

  • Collaborating with other public funders, charities and industry to help shape a cohesive and globally competitive research system; 

  • Funding applied global health research and training to meet the needs of the poorest people in low and middle income countries.

NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. Its work in low and middle income countries is principally funded through UK Aid from the UK government.