Examples of where care navigation may be used

First Contact Physiotherapist

Patients would normally be seen by a GP for minor musculoskeletal (conditions affect the joints, bones and muscles) problems. If a practice has access to a first contact physiotherapist, patients are seen by them in a longer consultation instead. Very few patients are referred back to the GP after using a first contact physiotherapist as the physiotherapist is able to offer specialist treatment. This is better for the patient and also frees up the GPs time for other people who need to see a doctor. 

PEARS: Primary Eyecare Acute Referral Scheme

Patients could potentially come to see a GP for an eye problem. Through care navigation patients can be diverted to the PEARS scheme. This means patients are seen by a specially trained optometrist, who provides acute eye care in the community. The patient receives specialist care and the GP's time is freed up for other patients.