The acceptability of musculoskeletal community appointment days: A mixed‐methods service evaluation

Ingram, Simon; Gill, Jonathon; Stathers, Isadora; Jenkins, Samantha; Neville, Eleanor; Berry, Alice

Abstract

Background: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 20, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Jul 6, 2025
• Publication Date: Sep 30, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jul 15, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 15, 2025
• Journal: Musculoskeletal Care
• Print ISSN: 1478-2189
• Electronic ISSN: 1557-0681
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 3
• Article Number: e70152
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.70152
• Keywords: personalised care, acceptability, community appointment day, self‐management, musculoskeletal, CAD, physiotherapy
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14695398