Employing a service user as a member of a musculoskeletal (MSK) service; How to start, support and scale this opportunity.

Background Putting patients at the heart of everything we do is fundamental to the philosophy of the NHS. It is required to stimulate cultural and transformational change needed to manage the increasing demand on NHS services. Patients as ‘equal partners’ are recommended by NICE, the charitable sector and MSK Best Health Collaboratives but the method to achieve this ambition is less clear. Method A large community Trust in the UK explored opportunities to employ a service user in a Musculoskeletal Interface Service. The Peer Support Worker model (temporary employment for 6 months) was used to facilitate employment. Impact of the role within and external to the Trust, was captured. A facilitated discussion was held with National MSK Leads to highlight how organisations could start, support and scale these opportunities Results The first MSK Peer Support Worker was successfully appointed in January 2021 and became the first Physical Heath Support worker within the Community Trust. A permanent Patient Engagement Champion was secured following the initial 6 months in post. Facilitated discussions with 40 senior MSK Leaders suggested building relationships with others internal and external to the organisation, communicating the purpose, benefits and achievements of the role were important success factors. Discussion Employing a patient with lived experience of MSK health problems can influence processes, pathways and culture within an organisation. MSK leaders are well placed to seek and create opportunities to embed such roles. Care and consideration need to be given to the mentorship and going support for post holders