EQL launches Phio Engage into insurance market

EQL, a UK health technology business, has launched Phio Engage, a self-care app for people needing musculoskeletal (MSK) care, into the general insurance market for the first time.

Phio Engage provides MSK care for people who have been identified by a qualified clinician as suitable for self-managed care, with oversight and intervention from clinicians as required. 

EQL’s launch of Phio Engage for the insurance sector follows the success of Phio Access, a clinically-led digital triage support tool that signposts the most appropriate treatment for each MSK case.

Now, with Phio Engage added to the Phio platform, policyholders can have a digital end-to-end solution for MSK care, improving their customer experience, enabling them to access the right care faster and take control of their own MSK care needs to support improved health outcomes.

Overall, the referral process is quicker and easier to navigate, providing more streamlined and cost-effective claims, and faster, unparalleled access to the right MSK care.

Phio Engage provides a tailored exercise programme, and uniquely allows people to control the intensity of that programme according to their needs. It tracks their progress, providing qualified clinical oversight and intervention through the app as needed.

Jason Ward, co-founder and chief executive officer of EQL, said: “Phio represents real digital innovation in rehab, with a digital end-to-end MSK care pathway.”

“It delivers real benefits for insurers and for their customers, reducing claims costs for insurers whilst giving their policyholders a better customer experience with early intervention, consistent and transparent referral, and empowered patients for better-managed MSK health.”

More than 30 million working days are lost due to MSK conditions every year, costing the UK at least £7 billion. With the average age of workers increasing to 43 by 2030, this is only set to increase. Studies show that 45% of MSK conditions are appropriate for self-management.

With Phio Access now well-established, user statistics show that:

• 30% completed Phio Access triage outside of the standard 9-5 office hours
• For EQL’s corporate wellbeing clients, Phio Access has more users aged over 65 than under 
• In May 2021, completion rate for the digital triage was over 90%
• Of the triages that were signposted for urgent care, 27% were outside of office hours

Mark Dugdale