The Acceptability of Musculoskeletal Community Appointment Days: A Mixed‐Methods Service Evaluation

TL;DR

This study evaluates how well a community-based model for musculoskeletal care is accepted by patients and staff.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel mixed-methods evaluation of Community Appointment Days for musculoskeletal health.

Findings

81% of invited patients attended the Community Appointment Day.

Most patients were likely to recommend the event, with high scores on shared decision-making measures.

Themes highlighted the CAD's positive ethos, effective planning, and potential for integration into existing care pathways.

Abstract

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions represent an increasing challenge within the NHS. Rising demand has driven a national shift towards more community‐based care and supported self‐management. Community Appointment Days (CAD) are community‐based, full‐day events providing access to clinical expertise, community partners and voluntary sector services. The collaborative ethos facilitates a personalised and holistic approach to musculoskeletal health. This evaluation aimed to explore the acceptability of the CAD model.

Following a CAD in the Southwest of England, patient experience was collected using the Friends and Family test and CollaboRATE measure for level of shared decision‐making. Interviews were conducted with patients, and a focus group was held with staff. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) informed the interview and focus group guides, and data analysis. Thematic analysis employed a hybrid deductive/inductive approach.

The CAD was attended by 130/160 (81%) patients. Experience measures were completed by 97/130 (75%) patients. The Friends and Family test demonstrated that most patients were ‘extremely likely’ (n = 63, 65%) or ‘likely’ (n = 32, 33%) to recommend a CAD. The average CollaboRATE score was 10.8/12. One‐to‐one interviews were completed with 13 patients, and a focus group with 10 staff. Four themes were identified: (1) a positive response to the CAD ethos; (2) the importance of effective planning and communication; (3) effective implementation of the CAD; and (4) potential impact and integration with existing musculoskeletal pathways.

The CAD was perceived as an acceptable, personalised, and holistic model of care that supports self‐management and cross‐sector collaboration for supporting MSK health.

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