First Contact Practice (AHPs)

First contact practitioners (FCPs) in primary care are regulated healthcare professionals who have completed additional training and gained experience within a specified scope of practice (for example, musculoskeletal (MSK), dietetics) to safely assess and treat defined groups of patients. FCPs are often the first point of contact for patients, providing rapid access to the appropriate care without the need for a GP referral. They work as part of the multi-professional team and are supported by appropriate clinical supervision and governance.

Allied health professionals (AHPs) who typically work in FCP roles include dietitians, occupational therapists, paramedics, physiotherapists and podiatrists.

More information can be found on our FAQs page.

FCP roadmaps to practice

The FCP roadmaps to practice are guidance documents that set out nationally agreed education and training standards for AHPs moving into FCP roles in primary care. These documents outline the educational supervision and governance required to support practitioners safely throughout the process.

For more details, please visit the roadmaps to practice webpage.

Further information

• AHPs in primary care networks: Information about the role of AHPs in PCNs
• AHP skills: A resource outlining the essential skills for AHPs in primary care