NHS Shetland extends digital physiotherapy partnership with EQL after pilot shows 3 in 4 patients skip physio waiting lists with new digital support

Shetland, Scotland, 21st April 2026 - NHS Shetland and the Shetland Health and Care Partnership have extended the use of the Phio, EQL’s digital physiotherapy platform, for a further two years, following a successful pilot that demonstrated strong clinical outcomes and reduced demand on frontline services.

During the initial rollout, 75% of patients using Phio required no further musculoskeletal (MSK) treatment beyond the support provided through the platform, highlighting its potential to safely manage a significant proportion of Shetland’s MSK demand without onward referral. 

MSK conditions remain one of Scotland’s leading causes of pain and disability, affecting an estimated one in three adults. Accessing care can also be more challenging in remote and island communities, where long travel distances and limited transport links create barriers to timely support.

Phio was launched on 18 March 2025 and has since made a meaningful impact on MSK care across Shetland. The platform was introduced to improve access to physiotherapy by providing immediate digital assessment and personalised guidance for people experiencing joint, muscle and back pain. It enables patients to access support from home at any time, while also complementing existing face-to-face physiotherapy services and supporting a more flexible care pathway.

Early results from the pilot highlight both clinical and system impact:

• 74% of patients were suitable for self-management through the platform
• 75% required no further MSK treatment beyond Phio
• 75% of patients said they would use the service again
• 512 individuals accessed the service, far exceeding initial expectations
• Patients aged 18 to 85 used Phio, with an average age of 48

Together, these findings demonstrate Phio’s ability to expand access to care while reducing pressure on primary care and physiotherapy services.

The flexibility of the service has also been key to its success, with around half of all usage taking place outside traditional clinic hours – enabling patients to fit care around work, family life and other commitments.

Following a review of the pilot, funding has been prioritised to continue the service, recognising the value it adds alongside existing MSK pathways and its role in improving access across Shetland’s geographically dispersed population.

Anthony McDavitt, Director of Pharmacy and Interim Depute Chief Officer for the Shetland Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We have supported continuing Phio because the pilot has shown it adds value alongside existing physiotherapy and primary care services. In a rural and remote setting, having more than one way to access support matters. Phio gives people an additional option where a digital route works for them, while face-to-face care remains available for those who need it or prefer it.”

Gillian Ironside, Professional Lead for Physiotherapy Services, said: “We know the incidence of people living with MSK conditions in Shetland is approximately 30% of the general population. Our original aim was for a small percentage of these (approximately 130 people) to access Phio. In reality, uptake has far exceeded this – with 512 individuals accessing Phio.”

She added: “This level of engagement is significantly higher than uptake seen in many other parts of the UK and reflects the trust our communities have placed in this new model of care. We are particularly delighted to see uptake from across the mainland but also the outer isles, which has aligned with our aim to ensure easier access to Physiotherapy for those living remotely. A huge thank you to the public for embracing Phio so positively!” 

Peter Grinbergs, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at EQL, said: “Continuing our partnership with NHS Shetland to extend Phio for another two years allows us to reach more people with faster, more accessible MSK care. The pilot demonstrated how a digital pathway can empower patients to manage their recovery, access personalised guidance, and stay active and independent – all from their homes. It’s especially rewarding to see Phio complement existing services and help Shetland’s communities get the right care at the right time.”

Eligible patients with a musculoskeletal injury can find details of how to access Phio at their local health centre or on the NHS Shetland website: Physiotherapy – NHS Shetland. 

Access Phio today - phio.eql.ai/provider/nhs-shetland