Pioneering expert in back pain takes on MSKPN Quality Lead mantle

Dr Lucy Goldby PhD MCSP, Consultant Spinal Physiotherapist and Director at Balance Performance Physiotherapy, has been appointed Quality Lead at Musculoskeletal Partners Network (MSKPN) from 1 March 2024.

MSKPN is a trade association committed to improving quality and enabling musculoskeletal practices to grow and thrive. As a voice for the industry, MSKPN is committed to collecting a standardised data set of outcomes and experience.

Lucy possesses a wealth of expertise spanning more than 35 years in the field of clinical spinal disorders and is a renowned researcher and specialist in back pain. She established Balance Performance Physiotherapy in 2001, creating a large space to further explore spinal and sports rehabilitation and today, Balance remains London’s largest independent multi-disciplinary rehabilitation centre, servicing over 25,000 clients a year.

On taking up the role, Lucy said: “I joined MSKPN during lockdown and it was like a breath of fresh air. My passion for quality has led to significant success in integrating the collection of PROMs and PREMs within my own business. So I am delighted to take on the Quality Lead role and aspire to assist practices in recognising the importance of data collection for their business. Neglecting this aspect may result in the decline of certain aspects of physiotherapy. I envisage a shift in perspective, where measuring quality is seen as an essential expense, akin to rent, rates, and staffing. This shift allows us to perceive data collection as a positive tool for enhancing interventions rather than a hurdle to overcome, benefiting the entire profession.”

Lucy takes over the baton from Claire Small, Chief Clinical Officer of Pure Sports Medicine, who has played a pivotal role in formulating the quality framework and operationalising the outcome standards, working with Cemplicity to develop a MSKPN member platform.

Simon Devane, MSKPN Chair and CEO Pure Sports Medicine added: “One of the consistent pillars of MSKPN has been the focus on quality and the drive to embed a common set of industry agreed standards. I would like to thank both Claire and Lucy for taking on these leadership responsibilities, aimed at elevating standards within our sector.”

The Health and Care Professions Council introduced 15 new quality standards in Sept 2023 that all physiotherapists have to abide by. Standard 11 is entitled “Assure the quality of practice” and includes 8 subsections detailing how physiotherapists must measure and assure the quality of their work.  Lucy believes that it’s essential that all MSKPN members understand how the HCPC expects us to embrace and uphold quality within our work.

Lucy has embraced in house research projects and multiple audits, therefore understanding the difficulties associated with data collection and analysis. It’s very easy for clinicians and leaders to want to wait, as to do this properly isn’t easy. She will help members work through the new standards and be a key point of contact. MSKPN will continuously evolve this work, so that consolidated data collection produces meaningful data for the profession.

To find out more about our work contact enquiries@mskpn.co.uk.

Read more about Lucy here: Dr Lucy Goldby members showcase

About MSKPN

MSKPN (Musculoskeletal Partners Network) is a trade association committed to improving quality and raising standards, through a collective voice, enabling private musculoskeletal practices to grow and thrive. https://www.mskpn.co.uk/

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