Rapid adaptation of first contact physiotherapy services for musculoskeletal patients in the UK and Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multiple case study

Oluwatoyin Adenike Adeniji, Theopisti Chrysanthaki, Evangelos Pappas, Magdalena Zasada, Karen Stenner, Nicola Carey, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Centre for Rural Health Sciences, University of the Highlands and Islands

Journal of Health Services Research & Policy

Published online on May 21, 2026

Abstract

Journal of Health Services Research & Policy, Ahead of Print.
BackgroundThe disruption of health services by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the WHO to advocate for rapid adaptation of healthcare. Little is known about the specific rapid adaptation strategies deployed in first contact physiotherapy services (FCPS) ...