Parliament recognises that allied health professionals (AHPs) possess a diverse range of unique skills

That the Parliament recognises that allied health professionals (AHPs) possess a diverse range of unique skills and expertise in rehabilitation and enablement that are key to supporting self-management and enabling active, independent and productive living; believes that AHPs are crucial in the treatment and prevention not only of physical ill health but also of mental ill health; recognises the added value that AHPs can have in terms of preventative, upstream approaches; acknowledges that AHP interventions can significantly reduce unnecessary hospital admission and can help to reduce dependency on care services, resulting in savings to health and social care; recognises and congratulates the increasing number of AHPs in Scotland on the important role that they play in prevention, early intervention and enablement in supporting the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland throughout their lives; believes that this approach can be further strengthened through the ongoing integration of health and social care services; further believes that the valued role of AHPs would be best supported by understanding the areas that are most in need and therefore calls for an audit of the National Delivery Plan for the Allied Health Professions in Scotland, 2012 – 2015 with a specific focus on performance of self-referral as a primary route for access and musculoskeletal AHP waiting times;  - See more at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=9955&i=91428&c=1829342#sthash.MCYREGND.dpuf

Shoe Collections

Are you collecting orthopaedic shoes for charity? Please get in touch with the secretariat for details of services that have footwear that can be donated.  Collection would be required.

enquiries@bapo.com

0141 561 7217 

QuDoS awards

Are you an Orthotist working with MS. Do you want to demonstrate your role in the  treatment of MS? The QuDoS awards is now live www.qudos-ms.com. Details of the various categories and how to enter is on the website.

BAPO Bulletin April 2015

The Executive Committee are meeting on 25^th April to set the workstreams for 2015 for the association. Issues were raised at the AGM by the membership which will be discussed and an action plan will be circulated in the next month.

Professional Affairs Committee are meeting on Friday 24^th April. Included in the Agenda are progression of treatment posters; review of our standards in light of HCPCs intended update; consideration of Jonathan Wright’s proposal for a professional review; progression of regional meetings; developments with NICE and much more!

Insurance renewal

The BAPO Insurance policies renews on 01/05/15 and if by any chance you have not returned your insurance renewal form before this date then you will no longer covered under the BAPO Membership Policies so please return your form ASAP.

HCPC

HCPC have 2 consultations running at the moment.

The first is on planned changes to their Standards of conduct, performance and ethics. The consultation will run from 1 April until 26 June 2015, expecting that new standards will be in place in early 2016.


The second is on a planned rise to their annual fees.

To see the consultations and to take part visit http://www.hcpc-uk.org/aboutus/consultations/

Department of Health NHS England

New handbooks to support personalised care planning for long term conditions - NHS England has published three new handbooks to support commissioners and practitioners in planning services for people with long term conditions (LTCs), in order to achieve more effective, personalised care for this group. LTCs currently account for £7 of every £10 health and social care spend in England. The guides cover three key areas: identifying people in the population with LTCs that are most vulnerable and at risk of unplanned hospital admissions; planning personalised care and support; and best-practice multi-disciplinary working across professional and organisational boundaries.  The handbooks are available on NHS England’s website at http://www.england.nhs.uk/resources/resources-for-ccgs/out-frwrk/dom-2/ltc-care

Surveys

Latrobe university is running a survey open to 30^th June, 2015. They are interested in work related injuries for Prothetists and Orthotists and would like to survey the profession in the UK. You can access the survey through the link on the BAPO website front page or by clicking the link below https://latrobe.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_b4sP2QYFtTB8UuN

James Lind Alliance are looking for Orthotists to assist on the Early OA of Hip and Knee survey which aims to identify your most pressing unanswered questions about the diagnosis, surgical and non-surgical treatment, and likely outcomes of early OA of hip and/ or knee. This will ensure that future research can be prioritised according to the needs of patients, carers and health professionals.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, so please take this opportunity to influence the future of early OA of hip and knee.

The Survey can be found here  http://tiny.cc/lb71vx  Further information here http://tiny.cc/3d71vx

Short courses

Advanced orthotic technology: functional stimulation for drop foot and associated weakness in neurologically impaired gait.

Saturday 16^th May- Birmingham cost £135Critical Appraisal course

Thursday 18^th  June  Seacroft Hospital, Leeds   £70

For more details on our short course programme, please visit our website www.bapo.com

Taycare - Orthotist Vacancy

For full details of this vacancy please click here

Ottobock - Commercial Manager Prosthetics & Orthotics: Egham

For full details of this vacancy please click here

Effectiveness of Total Contact Insoles in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis

Hilda Alcântara Veiga Oliveira, Anamaria Jones, Emília Moreira, Fabio Jennings and Jamil Natour

Abstract

Objective To assess the effectiveness of total contact insoles (TCI) in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF).

Methods A double-blind randomized controlled trial was carried out with intention-to-treat analysis. Seventy-four patients were randomly allocated to use a TCI made of ethylene vinyl acetate (study group, n = 37) or a flat insole (control group, n = 37). The following assessment tools were used: visual analog scale for pain while walking and at rest, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) for quality of life, Foot Function Index and Foot Health Status Questionnaire for foot function, 6-min walk test (6MWT), and baropodometer FootWalk Pro for plantar pressure analysis. The groups were evaluated by a blinded assessor at baseline and after 45, 90, and 180 days.

Results The groups were homogeneous for the majority of variables at baseline. The over-time comparisons show a statistical difference between the groups for pain while walking (p = 0.008) and the 6MWT (p = 0.010). Both groups showed significant improvements in pain at rest, foot function, and some quality of life variables (physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, and social functioning), with no significant statistical differences between them. The baropodometer recorded no changes from the use of the insoles.

Conclusion A TCI can be used to reduce pain while walking and to increase walking distance in individuals with PF.

Source: http://www.jrheum.org/content/early/2015/03/10/jrheum.140429.abstract 

Effects of Ankle–Foot Orthoses on Functional Recovery after Stroke: A Propensity Score Analysis Based on Japan Rehabilitation Database

Ryo Momosaki, Masahiro Abo, Shu Watanabe, Wataru Kakuda, Naoki Yamada, Shoji Kinoshita 

The purpose of the present study was to investigate potential effects of ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) on the functional recovery of post-acute stroke patients following rehabilitation.

Subjects and Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort study. Participants were in-hospital stroke patients registered in the Japan Rehabilitation Database between 2005 and 2012. A total of 1862 patients were eligible after applying exclusion criteria. Propensity score analysis was applied to adjust for potential bias and to create two comparable groups. An additional subset analysis focused on Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores on admission.

Results

In this sample, 30.7% of 1863 eligible patients were prescribed AFOs. Propensity score matched analysis showed that patients with AFOs had significantly higher scores than those without them for discharge FIM (mean: 91.3 vs 85.8; p=0.02), FIM gain (mean: 28.9 vs 23.5; p<0.001), and FIM efficiency (mean: 0.27 vs 0.22; p<0.001). Inverse probability weighting analysis showed similar results. In the subset analysis, patients with AFOs had significantly higher discharge FIM compared with those without them in the low admission FIM subgroup only. In addition, patients with AFOs performed independent exercise more than those without them (p<0.001).

Conclusions

These data suggest that stroke survivors may have better functional recovery if they are prescribed an AFO than if they are not prescribed an AFO. The use of AFOs is considered to be a feasible option to improve functional recovery of stroke rehabilitation patients.

Source: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0122688 

Rehabilitation Interventions for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

In a systemic review of the literature, Abbaskhanian et al suggests that clinicians should depend on their clinical experience and patient values to handle the clinical decision-making process in determining the prescription of AFOs.

The found evidence encouraging the use of an articulated ankle foot orthosis (AFO) by children with CP because of the enhanced function when using this type of orthosis. Yet, other studies indicated the advantages of a rigid orthosis for children with greater disabilities involving spasticity and contracture. 

http://cdn.neoscriber.org/cdn/serve/70/08/7008dff33bed20188825836989b3259d1b77212b/jpr-03-361.pdf

Opcare - Orthotists, Various Positions

Please click here for further information on the job advertisements available.

BAPO Measuring Change Document - April 2015

Measuring Change: An Introduction to Clinical Outcome Measures in Prosthetics and Orthotics

In today’s demanding and pressured healthcare environment it is essential that the effects of medical interventions, including prosthetic and orthotic care, are accurately assessed and recorded. Outcome measures (OMs) are useful in assessment, clinical decision making and evidencing the outcomes of treatment to either the service user or third parties. OMs also facilitate clinical audit and research. 

The Measuring Change document is the result of a one year project by a working group formed by members of the BAPO Professional Affairs and Education committees. The working group initially conducted a survey of Prosthetists and Orthotists in the UK to determine existing use and knowledge of OMs. Following this, a small group of OMs were selected and literature reviews were conducted to identify the measures’ psychometric properties in addition to normal data and minimal clinically important difference values. The included OMs are the numeric pain rating scale (NRS-11), socket comfort score (SCS), 10 metre walk test (10MWT), timed up and go (TUG) and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH). The Measuring Change document includes the results of the reviews, instructions on how to use and interpret the selected OMs, a summary of the survey results, and an introduction to relevant psychometric terms and concepts. The primary aim of the document is to enable Prosthetists and Orthotists to understand and use simple OMs in clinical practice to improve patient care.

Measuring Change is available for BAPO members to download from the members section of BAPOnline. Non-members may request hard copies (paperback, 40 pages, full colour) from enquiries@bapo.com at a cost of £10.

Opcare - Orthotist, Various

Please click here to view job advertisement.

RSL Steeper - Various Job Vacancies

Please click here to view job advert.

HCiViocare - Prosthetist, Glasgow

For further information on the position available please click on the link.

HCiViocare

LimbPower - 2015 Advanced Rehabilitation Clinic

LIMBPOWER DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE 2015

ADVANCED REHABILITATION CLINIC

LimbPower, the National Disability Sports Organisation dedicated to helping amputees and the limb impaired reach their sporting potential, are holding another Advanced Rehabilitation Clinic following the success of the initiative launched last year.  This clinic will help primary amputees build confidence, strength, stability and empower them in the early stages of their quest to improve their mobility.

 

LimbPower’s Advanced Rehab Clinics aim to bridge the current gap that exists between the rehab offered by the NHS, and the ability to participate in sports, fitness and lifestyle activities.  The current service teaches amputees how to walk using their artificial limb with training on basic techniques, but there is much more that could be done to aid amputees in the early stages of rehabilitation which would have a huge impact on their quality of life. 

Research shows that participation in physical activity enhances the lives of amputees, reducing the risk of medical interventions such as knee and hip replacements and even improving life expectancy. 

For 2015, the Advanced Rehab Clinic will include a separate programme dedicated to carers, partners and case managers, ensuring that this important support network are equipped with the information to assist in the ongoing progress of the amputee.

Kiera Roche, LimbPower Founder commented; “Back in 2006 I attended a running clinic where I was taught the basic techniques of running, but what really opened my eyes were the day-to-day benefits of the stability exercises and leg strengthening exercises I was taught to improve my gait and balance.  We have used these techniques within our own successful ‘Learn to Run’ clinics since then, but the Advanced Rehab Clinics will allow us to reach those new amputees who are yet to even consider sport as something for them and help them to get the most from their prosthetics.”

 

The one-day course will be a mix of educational and practical training sessions focussing on core stability, proprioception of the artificial limb, gait training exercises and general health and fitness.  The course will encourage new amputees to take control of their own rehabilitation and well-being and equip them to take part in any sport or activity they choose.

The 2015 Advanced Rehab Clinic will be on the 15^rd April at and be held at Roehampton University.  Anyone interested in finding out more details should contact Gemma Trotter on Gemma@limbpower.com

Freedom to Speak Up: Give your views on supporting NHS staff to raise concerns about care

A consultation on plans to support NHS staff to speak up about poor care and patient safety has launched.

It follows the publication of Sir Robert Francis's Freedom to Speak Up review in February 2015, which made recommendations on how to create a culture where NHS staff feel safe and confident in speaking out. The report was commissioned by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in response to concerns about the reporting culture and the treatment of whistleblowers in the NHS.

The recommendations were accepted in principle by the Government, and we are now consulting on the best way to implement the principles and actions. Specific actions we are seeking views on include:

• Every NHS organisation having a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian
• A new Independent National Whistleblowing Officer who will provide national leadership; and
• Standards for professionals on raising concerns.

The consultation closes on 4 June 2015.

Read the consultation and take part.

Source: http://compassionatecare.dh.gov.uk/2015/03/12/freedom-to-speak-up-give-your-views-on-supporting-nhs-staff-to-raise-concerns-about-care/

HCPC - Prosthetist/Orthotist Visitors

For full details please click here

Short Course Timetable2015

The Education Committee are delighted to unveil the short course timetable for the first half of the year.  The committee have worked hard to bring you courses which are not only excellent value but which offer diversity in topics and locations. 

Click the link below for detailed information on the courses now available and look out for updates detailing additional course dates and topics in the comings months!

Course Information

Prosthetists and Orthotists on Shortage of Occupation List (SOL) for a minimum of 4 years

BAPO have managed to get recognition that there is a shortage of Prosthetists and Orthotists. We're now on the shortage of occupation list (SOL) for a minimum of 4 years.

http://www.cfwi.org.uk/publications/migration-advisory-committee-mac-healthcare-occupation-submission-main-report-for-the-2014-shortage-occupation-list-sol

Webinar 4 - Managing Relationships for Transition - Save the date Monday 2 March 2015

Monday 2 March 2015 – 13:00-13:50

This fourth and final webinar, provided by the NHS Clinical Soft Intelligence Service in partnership with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and supported by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists, will explore two examples of how rehabilitation service providers have carried out service improvements across a pathway.  In particular the webinar will discuss how they are improving transition for people who use the service.
 
The speakers will discuss the issues around:

·        enablers and obstacles to improving transition for people at different points in a pathway

·        issues pertinent to working in partnership to improve transitions between rehabilitation services in different organisations

·        ensuring the sharing of skills and expertise across providers to ensure effective transition

 

To find out more and register, go to http://www.tinyurl.com/NHS4a for a place at this webinar and to submit any initial questions around this topic. You are also able to submit questions during the webinar.