How Primary Care Networks are expanding multidisciplinary teams in general practice

The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) was introduced as part of the Primary Care Network (PCN) contract to expand the range of professionals working within primary care. By supporting the recruitment of new roles, the scheme aims to improve patient access, reduce pressure on GPs, and strengthen multidisciplinary care.

For many practices, ARRS roles have become a valuable addition to the practice team. However, integrating new roles into existing workflows requires careful planning and clear understanding of how these positions contribute to patient care.

What Is the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme?

ARRS provides funding for Primary Care Networks to recruit a range of healthcare professionals who can support patient care and practice operations.

These roles are employed by the PCN or a member practice on behalf of the network, but they typically work across several practices within the network.

The aim is to expand the capacity of primary care teams while enabling patients to access a broader range of expertise.

Common ARRS Roles

The scheme includes a wide variety of roles designed to support both clinical care and patient navigation.

Common examples include:

Clinical pharmacists
Support medication reviews, prescribing safety, and medicines optimisation.

Pharmacy technicians
Assist with medication queries, reconciliation, and prescribing workflows.

Care coordinators
Help organise patient pathways and ensure patients receive appropriate follow-up.

Social prescribing link workers
Support patients with non-clinical needs such as wellbeing, social isolation, and community support.

First contact physiotherapists
Assess musculoskeletal problems and provide early clinical advice.

Health and wellbeing coaches
Work with patients to support lifestyle and behaviour changes.

Each role contributes to improving patient access while helping practices manage workload more effectively.

Integrating ARRS Roles Into Practice Teams

Introducing new professional roles can bring significant benefits, but successful integration requires clear planning.

Practices and PCNs should consider:

  • how the role will fit into existing workflows

  • which staff members will supervise or support the role

  • how patients will be directed to the appropriate professional

Without clear pathways, practices may struggle to use the full potential of these roles.

Clarifying Supervision and Oversight

ARRS roles often work across several practices within a network. As a result, clear supervision arrangements are essential.

Practices should ensure that each role has:

  • a named clinical supervisor where appropriate

  • clear reporting structures

  • access to support and guidance when needed

This helps ensure that staff feel supported while maintaining safe and effective services.

Communicating Roles to Patients

Patients may not always understand the purpose of newer roles within primary care teams.

Clear communication helps ensure patients know who they will be seeing and why.

Reception and care navigation teams play an important role in directing patients to the most appropriate professional based on their needs.

When patients understand how multidisciplinary teams work, they are often more comfortable accessing care from professionals other than a GP.

Supporting Collaboration Across the Network

Because many ARRS staff work across multiple practices, coordination between practices is important.

PCNs often support this by establishing shared processes for:

  • workforce planning

  • role development

  • training opportunities

  • supervision arrangements

These structures help ensure that ARRS roles are used effectively across the network.

The Long-Term Impact on General Practice

ARRS roles represent a shift toward broader multidisciplinary teams within primary care.

By bringing additional expertise into practices, these roles help distribute workload and provide patients with access to specialised support.

Over time, networks that integrate ARRS roles successfully often find that their teams become more flexible and resilient, allowing practices to respond more effectively to the evolving needs of their patient populations.