Are Digital Tools Useful for Musculoskeletal Health Practitioners?

Musculoskeletal (MSK) health professionals in the UK are under increasing pressure. They're the first point of contact for patients with musculoskeletal issues. One way to help them is through digital tools like clinical decision support systems (CDSS). These tools can guide professionals in making the best decisions for their patients. The goal of a recent study was to see how useful a CDSS could be for MSK first contact practitioners (FCPs). The study found that while these digital tools have potential, there are some challenges. For instance, FCPs might not have enough time to use them properly. They also might need more training to make the most of these tools. Additionally, the systems themselves need to be user-friendly and fit into the practitioners' daily routines. It's clear that CDSS can be helpful, but they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to make sure they're designed with the needs of FCPs in mind. This way, they can truly support the crucial work these professionals do.