CAT's

IMATT (Intermediate MSK Assessment and Treatment Team) is Connect’s model of a Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service (CATS), highlighted in the Department of Health’s MSK Framework Document, (see Publications/Useful Links) to provide care away from hospital for patients with non-surgical, non-inflammatory MSK problems.

The majority of patients (70-90%) attending Orthopaedic out-patients do not require, and many do not wish, to undergo surgery. At the same time, these departments are under pressure to reduce the waiting time from referral to treatment.

Many patients referred to Rheumatology Departments have non-inflammatory joint or soft tissue problems that can be successfully managed in Primary Care.

Commissioners are also seeking to save costs, by reducing the numbers of review appointments in secondary care and by finding alternative pathways in Primary Care.

Connect's IMATT service is designed to improve outcomes and satisfaction for patients and to provide that service in a community setting. It is able to meet these requirements and at the same time generate savings for Commissioners.

Referring GP’s complete a referral pro-forma, which is triaged by a member of the IMATT team. Those that go forward to an IMATT clinic will be seen, on average, within two weeks by a practitioner with a relevant special interest. These may be GP’s, physiotherapists or podiatrists with experience and skills including advanced clinical assessment, soft tissue and joint injection and ultrasound imaging. In addition to these clinical areas, staff must have high levels of consultation and communication skills.

The first appointment of 40 minutes allows time for assessment, explanation of diagnosis, advice on self-management and in some cases Ultrasound imaging and even guided injection. Patient, GP and practice satisfaction feedback is very high (see Testimonials).

To ensure Connect can deliver a consistent quality of service it has developed specific training programmes for GP’s and physiotherapists to further develop their range and depth of skills.

The implementation/setup time for a new IMATT service is 3-6 months.

Connects hub and spoke pathway utilises 'Choose & Book', EMISWeb and SystmOne to manage national contracts from one administration centre.