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Team Meeting

Interview Questions

Designed to help you land your next FCP role

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Do you know the difference between an FCP and an MSK Physiotherapist

An FCP is a first point of contact role based in primary care for MSK conditions. The FCP role is designed to reduce GP workload and NHS pressures. 

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FCPs will generally promote self-management and/or arrange appropriate referrals or investigations. 

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FCP is not a course of physiotherapy. If a course of Physiotherapy treatment is recommended, then a referral can be made. 

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Do you have experience dealing with 'difficult' patients

The FCP role has many challenges, including dealing with patients who may be unpleasant, unwilling to engage or have strong demands. 

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Think of your previous experiences of dealing with patients like this. Consider things like:
 

  • Remain calm and professional

  • Listen carefully and show empathy

  • See things from their perspective 

  • Try to find common ground as a starting point

  • Work with the patient to find a solution

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Are you aware of common blood tests that may be used by FCPs

Blood tests can be used in clinical practice to aid diagnosis of some conditions and pathologies. 

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Luckily for you we have a great resources to help with this! Click the button below

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What are key transferrable skills you can bring into the role

Think about your previous experience and skills. 

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Consider the role of an FCP and what skills you have that may be useful. For example:

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  • Triage

  • Working within multidisciplinary teams

  • Previous experience arranging or interpreting investigations 

  • Experience picking up non-MSK conditions before

  • Previous FCP experience

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Are you prepared to be asked clinical case studies

  • Have strong, up-to-date, MSK clinical knowledge 

  • Consider looking at NICE guidelines for common conditions you may encounter in primary care

  • Be aware of multi-systems that can masquerade as MSK pains e.g. red flags, rheumatological conditions, vascular pathologies etc.

  • Think about your management plan for the patient e.g. self management, further investigations, onward referrals, MDT discussion etc. 

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Are you aware of the management options for patients

There are plenty of options to consider here such as:

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  • self management strategies

  • onward referrals to physio or secondary care

  • investigations / blood tests

  • do they need signposting to support in the community

  • consider principles of "make every contact count" such as smoking cessation and lifestyle advice

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