An evaluation of a virtual musculoskeletal podiatry service implemented to address prolonged National Health Service waiting times

Background The COVID‐19 pandemic had a substantial impact on healthcare systems globally, particularly in the public sector. To address the challenges posed by the pandemic, musculoskeletal (MSK) healthcare providers had to rapidly adopt virtual platforms for delivering care, representing a major shift in how healthcare was delivered. Objective This manuscript aims to retrospectively evaluate a virtual MSK podiatry service offered by a private provider under a National Health Service commission, in terms of patient access, waiting times and patient‐reported pain. This service was developed and implemented in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic and the extended waiting times. Methods A retrospective clinical service evaluation was conducted on MSK podiatry services delivered via telephone or virtual consultations. The evaluation covered a cohort of 574 referred patients over a 19‐month period (July 2021 to January 2023). It analysed demographic data, initial and final visual analogue pain scores, pathology categories, orthoses prescriptions and exercise rehabilitation plans. Results Data from a total of 492 patients (male = 152 and female = 340) were analysed, with 82 patients excluded for non‐attendance. The average waiting time from referral‐to‐first appointment and referral‐to‐discharge was 35 and 91 days, respectively. Results showed statistically significant improvement (p