NHS Scotland Leads UK in Digital Health with Rapid Expansion of Phio Tech

Scotland March 11^th - Scotland is at the forefront of digital health adoption with the implementation of EQL’s Phio, a digital health platform tackling musculoskeletal (MSK) concerns. NHS Highland, who were the first to launch a MSK digital provision in primary care in Scotland in December 2023, have released data to show successful integration of Phio into primary care since then, demonstrating the tangible benefits of digital innovation in the NHS and paving the way for wider adoption across the country.

Technology Addressing a National Health Burden

MSK issues represent one of the largest healthcare burdens worldwide, with approximately 20-30% of the population requiring support for MSK-related injuries. In Scotland, significant pressures on primary and community care have led to extensive need for routine physiotherapy appointments and long waiting lists. Recognising the need for scalable and efficient solutions, Highland HSCP deployed Phio Access and Phio Engage in 2023 to create a digital front door for MSK support.

Co-founded by ex-premier league Physiotherapist, Pete Grinbergs, Phio Access is designed to assess a patient’s suitability for self-management covering all areas of the body, while Phio Engage provides a clinically supported digital MSK pathway as an alternative to traditional face-to-face care.

Impact of Phio in NHS Highland HSCP

• 250,000 patients in the region are eligible to access Phio.
• 2,100 patients have used Phio within the first 12 months.
• 75% of assessed patients qualify for and consent to self-management instead of face-to-face care.

The deployment has already resulted in significant efficiency gains:

• 3,200 primary care consultations saved annually
• 480 community physiotherapy appointments freed up each year

Scotland’s Digital Health Leadership

Scotland has emerged as a leader in digital health, with multiple NHS boards across the country adopting Phio. The successful implementation in Highland HSCP is part of a broader strategy to improve access to care, reduce waiting lists, and enhance patient outcomes. Other NHS sites in Scotland currently using or onboarding Phio include:

• NHS Forth Valley (Waiting List Management)
• NHS Borders (Secondary Care)
• Argyll & Bute HSCP (Primary Care)
• NHS Orkney (Primary Care & Waiting List Management)
• NHS Shetland (Primary Care & Waiting List Management)
• NHS Lanarkshire (Primary Care & Waiting List Management)

The rapid adoption of Phio across Scotland underscores the country’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions that transform healthcare. Since the initial rollout in December 2023, Highland HSCP has demonstrated how digital pathways can enhance patient experience, improve system efficiency, and save consultation time.

A Model for Wider Adoption

Jude Arnaud, Clinical Lead for First Contact Physiotherapists at NHS Highland HSCP, said: “The impact of Phio at Highland HSCP has been significant, with both clinicians and patients providing overwhelmingly positive feedback. Phio technology enhances our ability to deliver high-quality care while also empowering patients to take an active role in managing their musculoskeletal health. By streamlining access to support and self-management tools, Phio is helping to improve outcomes and reduce pressure on NHS services simultaneously.”‍

Jason Ward, co-founder and CEO at EQL, said: “Scotland’s success with Phio serves as a benchmark for digital health adoption across the UK. With strong ROI data demonstrating cost savings growing from £2.00 per £1 invested in Year 1 to £2.33 by Year 3, the case for wider implementation is clear. Digital health is no longer a future ambition, it is happening now, with real impact. We will continue to work with our NHS partners in Scotland to evaluate Phio, as well as push forward our plans for wider NHS adoption across the UK.”‍

Dr Paul Treon, Clinical Director and GP, Primary Care, said: “Supporting patients to find a clinically beneficial option via a safe digital solution for musculoskeletal conditions improves access for our patients to manage their own condition in a timely way. Offering digital solutions reduces the impact of injury or pain on patients' lives and frees up access to GP and physio services for those in whom self-management is not an option. Having received positive feedback from patients, and having had a positive experience as a user myself, I am happy to recommend Phio to appropriate patients. The use of digital tools will be an essential part of the modern NHS and I look forward to seeing how safe digital tools can be integrated into healthcare across the Highlands.”

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About EQL:

EQL was co-founded by health entrepreneur Jason Ward, physiotherapist and entrepreneur Peter Grinbergs and operations expert Samantha Medcraft to improve access to world-class musculoskeletal care. 

The EQL team have built a digital platform, Phio, through which people are quickly directed to the right source of support for their muscle or joint problems, or provided with resources for self-management.‍

Currently, patients access Phio via their employers or their insurers. Increasing numbers of NHS organisations are partnering with EQL to give patients on MSK waiting lists free access to the platform.