What is a First Contact Practitioner (FCP) role in Primary Care?
A regulated healthcare professional who has undertaken additional training and experience within a specified scope of practice (MSK, Dietetics etc) to be able to safely provide the first point of contact and assessment for defined groups of patients and presentations as aligned to their area of experience and training. Practitioners in FCP roles support people to get faster access to the right care without necessarily needing a referral from a GP. Practitioners in these roles work as part of the multi-professional team with appropriate clinical supervision and governance in place.
Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) who typically work in FCP roles include Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Paramedics, Physiotherapists and Podiatrists.
For further information, please refer to the NHS England FAQs at First Contact Practice FAQs | NHS England | Workforce, training and education.