Steeper Job Advert - Principal Orthotist/Orthotist - London & the South East/London & Essex

Click here to view Job Advertisement.

Steeper Group - Prosthetics Contracts Manager, Various

For further information on the position available please click here.

Guy's and St. Thomas' - Orthotist, London

For further information on the position available please click here.

BAPO Bulletin August 2015

HCPC

HCPC registration time has almost ran out. Please ensure you have received your documentation and re-registered this year. If you have recently moved house and not informed them, the paperwork will be sent to the wrong address. This will not be a reasonable excuse for failing to renew your registration and you will be lapsed from the register.

Workforce review

Recently BAPO submitted evidence of our workforce called for by Health Education England.  It gave a good illustration of the issues in our industry but also raised several areas of concern including poor retention after training.

BAPO is leading a review of the workforce. Please look out for the electronic link to our online survey arriving via e-mail in the next week or two. The survey will be open for 4 weeks and is a start of a nationwide multipart review of our profession.

It will only take 5 minutes of your time. We would be grateful if you could pass it on through social media to your colleagues, old and new. With this survey, we are trying to determine what factors cause people to leave the profession and determine what we need to do to reverse the trend. Engaging with BHTA, our training universities and the NHS we will be forming a working group to come together to tackle the issues that are identified. Please respond as we want to hear your views it is completely confidential and we need to know what is happening to our workforce.

Education

Short course spaces are still available.

Differential diagnoses of MSK foot and ankle conditions

FES and orthotic interventions

Contracture management

KAFO 2 day course- conventional and stance phase control

Please visit www.bapo.com or call the Secretariat for further info.

BAPO Conference 2016

Suzanne Rastrick, Chief Allied Health Profession Officer, NHS England opening conference 2016.

Kevin Kirby, Dr Chris Nestor, Dr Michael Dillon to name a few! Registrations open soon; look out for the early bird offer *limited time only*

FES: Advanced Orthotic Technology

Click here to view more information on this short course.

Trulife Job Advert - Junior and Senior Orthotist Vacancies

Click here to view job advertisement.

Peacocks - Orthotist, Somerset

For further information on the position available please click here.

Kent and Medway NHS Trust - Prosthetist/Orthotist - Kent

Click here to view Job Advertisement

Blatchfords - Prosthetist/Orthotist

Click here to view Job Advertisement.

Job Vacancy: Halo Medical - Orthotist, Norfolk

For further information on the position available please click here.

BAPO NICE Quality Standard Endorsement

The BAPO Professional Affairs Committee are pleased to advise the endorsement of the recent NICE Osteoarthritis and Pressure Ulcer Quality Standards on behalf of BAPO.

If you would like to view these documents please follow the required link below:

Osteoarthritis QS

Pressure Ulcer QS

BAMT urges increased provision of music therapy for dementia - Music Therapy Week 2015

Professional body urges increase in provision of music therapy for dementia 

 David's story - 'I feel more alive and happy after each session' 

 Music Therapy Week 22 - 28 June - highlights

 

This year's Music Therapy Week is focusing on the valuable role music therapy has to play in supporting people with dementia and those who care for them. Leading research has shown that music therapy can significantly improve and support the mood, alertness and engagement of people with dementia, can reduce the use of medication, as well as helping to manage and reduce agitation, isolation, depression and anxiety, overall supporting a better quality of life (Ridder et al, 2013). Music therapy can help people at all stages in their journey with dementia to enrich life and tap into the resources that people with dementia still have.

81-year-old David Jacques was diagnosed with both vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease four years ago. He has progressive short-term memory loss, experiences difficulty organizing his time and sometimes gets lost.

'David came to his first music therapy session armed with books of folk songs and opera,' recalls Pemma Spencer-Chapman, a music therapist at the Guideposts Trust Music Therapy Service in Oxfordshire. 'This was unusual,' she says, 'as most clients don't have any musical training. If I played or sang the melody, David could hold the tune. He sang the melodies increasingly from memory and marveled at his brain's ability to remember them'. The brain remembers emotional experiences more easily than facts, and the emotional nature of music helps these memories come to the fore.

But it wasn't until Pemma suggested to David to improvise with his voice while she accompanied him that a real breakthrough was made, 'to my surprise, David sang not just a melody but words as well. Words and melody have come to him hand in hand,' Pemma says. 'He is surprised, pleased and empowered and I feel his identity has been strengthened in a different way, by being at the heart of the improvisation.'

'I feel more alive and happy after each session', David.

David's wife, Penny, says music therapy is now the high spot of David's week. 'I wish that this form of therapy could be available on the NHS for everyone with dementia as it is clearly so beneficial.'

Prof. Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England – the leading representative body for independent care services in England, states, 'Music therapy is intrinsic to enriching the quality of life for those with dementia. Recent research demonstrates the significant role it has to play in supporting a better quality of life, and that is because music taps into the resources that people with dementia still have, enabling them to maintain connections with loved ones and the world around them. But, the impact is wider reaching. Carers also see the impact that music therapy can have and thus helps them to better understand the people they are caring for, providing a higher quality of care.'

Over 800,000 people live with dementia in Britain and this is expected to increase to 2 million by 2050. Currently, provision of music therapy for people with dementia is uneven across the UK and those diagnosed are often not able to access it when they need to. Pemma is one of over 800 HCPC state registered music therapists who use the unique non-verbal properties of music to support people at all stages of their lives – from helping new born babies develop healthy bonds with their parents, to offering vital, sensitive and compassionate palliative care at the end of life.

Donald Wetherick, Chair of Trustees, says, 'The British Association for Music Therapy is committed to ensuring that music therapy is available to all those who can benefit. This Music Therapy Week we are focusing on people with dementia and their families. Dementia care is a growing healthcare need – it is also an area where music therapist's skills are being shown to be effective and valued. We want to see the enormous potential for music therapy in this field being realized, for the benefit of all those affected by dementia.'

Events for Music Therapy Week are taking place throughout the week from Shetland down to Truro including a parliamentary roundtable discussion sponsored by MPs Tracey Crouch and Debbie Abrahams, taster music therapy sessions, open days, exhibitions, and live improvisational gatherings.

Highlights include:

• An open community group meeting for people with dementia, their families and carers, and improvisational session and welcoming back of puffins at Simbugh Lighthouse, Shetland, Tuesday 23 June

• Open morning at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, Putney, London, Wednesday 24 June

• Roundtable parliamentary discussion, 'Music therapy and dementia: enriching life when it is needed most', Portcullis House, Victoria Embankment, Thursday 25 June

• Cornish church tower bells will peal for Music Therapy Week, Saturday 27 June

• A week of instrument making, concerts and tea parties for the children and families at Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough, All week.

 

Find out more about what's happening during Music Therapy Week 2015, view our MTW2015 Events Map.

 

To find out how you can get involved, please visit www.bamt.org and support the campaign online at Facebook and Twitter using @musictherapyuk #MTW2015 #musictherapyuk 

For supplementary information please click below:

Music Therapy & Dementia Doc

BAMT MTW2015 PR Doc

---------

For further information, please contact:

Grace Watts,

British Association for Music Therapy

M: 07989 355337

E: pr@bamt.org

APOS - Senior & Junior Prosthetist/Orthotist - Galway

Please click here to view Job Advertisement.

Blatchfords - Orthotists - Various Locations including the S West of England, the Midlands & East Anglia

For full details of this job advert please click here

Functional Casting and Contracture Management in Neurology Short Course, September 2015, London.

Functional Casting and Contracture Management in Neurology Short Course. Saturday 26th September.  Regional Rehabilitation Unit, London.

Optimising alignment and maintaining range for patients in the early stages of neuro-rehabilitation is very important. Many units now adopt techniques to apply semi-rigid casts to help maintain range although these are generally used as resting splints. Definitive Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) can play a major role in getting such patients on their feet in an optimum alignment to compliment recovery.
 
This course describes and contains a practical workshop on how these casts can be modified to act as weight bearing devices to facilitate gait as an assessment or temporary tool while waiting for a definitive orthosis to be manufactured. This also makes the cast a more dynamic device for providing stretch and maintaining muscle length.
 
The presenters have worked together for many years in this specialist inpatient neuro-rehab setting and will share how they integrate use of orthotic intervention to facilitate early treatment.

The course is open to Orthotists and therapists involved in neuro-rehabilitation along with Prosthetist-Orthotist Students.

Cost:
BAPO Member - £130
Non-member - £190

**Please note registrations close 1 September 2015**

To book a place on the workshop please click here for a copy of the booking form and submit to the BAPO Secretariat using the details below.

BAPO Bulletin June 2015

NICE

BAPO has responded to 3 NICE consultations this month on your behalf.

Stroke, Osteoarthritis and Pressure Ulcers.

HCPC Fees Increase

BAPO responded as your professional body on the consultation to increase HCPC fees. Unfortunately although we did not support the fee increases, they have decided to increase the registration fee from £80 to £90 for all registrants.

Workforce Planning

BAPO is currently involved in workforce planning nationally with 3 different work-streams in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

We actively need your help to identify practitioners who are working in a different way, whether its using innovative technology, integrated in different teams or pushing the boundaries of their clinical practice- we want to hear from you for a quick synopsis.

Time is pressing, we need this evidence by 12^th June. Please e-mail us at enquiries@bapo.com with your details if you want to be involved.

2015/16 Work-streams

BAPO work-streams for 2015/16 have been identified.

·       Workforce planning

·       Professional review

·       Centres of Excellence Scheme

·       Commissioning (service specification document)

·       We will also conduct a membership review to investigate what we do as an association, where your money goes and what you want out of the association in the future.

These work-streams will run alongside existing engagement with the Orthotic service review in England, creating an evidence base for clinical practice and supporting our regional groups.

Interested in one of the subjects above and want to become involved? Contact enquiries@bapo.com

Confidential Patient Communication Guidance

Independent guidance to help ensure safe, confidential and effective emailing between patients and healthcare professionals has been published by the Professional Record Standards Body (PRSB).

The guidance, created and backed by key organisations representing care professionals and patients, reflects PRSB findings that 9 out of 10 people want this electronic option to be more widely available. It builds on existing email practice to ensure that safety, confidentiality and effectiveness are assured for patients and professionals, allowing a real alternative to letters and faxes that currently cost the NHS more than £100m a year.

The PRSB, an independent body, was asked to consult widely with patient and professional representatives to develop the guidance, which is published to coincide with the new Secure Email standard issued by the health service’s authority in this area – the NHS Standardisation Committee for Care Information (SCCI). The guidance reflects the findings of a new PRSB report into the issue, entitled Faster, better, safer, healthier communications.

Access the report here.

Access the standards and guidance here.

For further information email the PRSB at info@theprsb.org 

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

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.

Buchanan Orthotics - Orthotist

Please click here to view job advertisement.

The Influence of Foot Orthoses on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Analysis of the Literature

Ahlhelm A, Alfuth M

Abstract

Background: The patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most commonly encountered disorders involving the knee. The symptoms often lead to a reduction of physical activities resulting in sport- and job-related disabilities and the potential occurrence of severe disorders. Different theories for the development of the syndrome exist which result in different therapy modalities. A change in foot posture and its effect on lower limb kinematics seem to be one potential risk factor for the development of the syndrome. This leads to the assumption that foot orthoses might be a potential therapy device. Objectives: The aims of this study were to outline the state of evidence for the treatment of PFPS with foot orthoses and to identify the effect of foot orthoses on PFPS. Study Design: A systematic review of clinical (CT) and randomized controlled trials (RCT) was undertaken. Methods: A systematic search for studies (CT, RCT) was conducted using the databases of Medline (PubMed), Cochrane library, and PEDro. The relevance for further analysis of studies was reviewed on the basis of title and abstract. An additional search was undertaken using the reference lists of the included studies and additional literature as well as the PubMed function "related articles". Results: 11 studies were included in this analysis. The effect of different types of foot orthoses on pain, function and kinematics of the lower limb and muscle activation of selected lower limb muscles was analysed. Significant effects on pain and function were determined. A slight effect on kinematics of the lower limb and muscle activation of selected lower limb muscles was identified. Conclusion: Foot orthoses seem to be an effective treatment device in the therapy for PFPS. An immediate and long-term reduction in pain and an improvement of function occurred following the intervention. There was just a slight change in lower limb kinematics and muscle activation of selected lower limb muscles. The relationship between biomechanical effects of orthoses and pain still seems to be unclear.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25675398 

NHS Lothian - Head of Technical Services

For full details of this post please click here

BAPO Conference 2015 Accommodation Bookings

Please note that  the online link for Conference 2015 accommodation bookings is due for release on 16 February, after which time there will be just a limited choice of hotels available via Reservation Highway and the rate will not be guaranteed.

Therefore if you haven’t already secured your accommodation for Conference 2015 please book as soon as possible via www.reservation-highway.co.uk/bapo15

Kent and Medway NHS - Prosthetic Team Leader

Click here to view Job Advertisement.

CSP - Improving Adult Rehabilitation Services Community of Practice – Soft intelligence Summary Bulletin

Following up on our requests for snapshots of good practice, we wanted you to share with you the first bulletin capturing the thoughts or 'soft intelligence' of the Improving Rehabilitation Services Community of Practice (IRSCOP).

Members are encouraged to enter the debate by adding comments to what people are saying about improving rehabilitation services and are invited to:

• Feedback on the themes within the bulletin that are either missing or upon which you have a different perspective
• Share what action you are taking in relation to these themes (however big or small)

How to submit feedback & comments
I would be very happy to receive feedback from members. Alternatively, comments can either be emailed to katherine.andrews@nhs-commissioning.net or posted on the discussion forum (making these anonymous if requested)

Feedback will be used to enrich the emergent themes and populate the next Soft intelligence Bulletin. We are grateful for your assistance.

Webinar 3 - Integration in Action: Breaking down Boundaries - Save the date 5 February 2015

Save the date - 5 February 2015 - 1:00-1:50 

 

Webinar 3 - Integration in Action:  Breaking down Boundaries  

 

We are delighted to announce a third webinar, provided by NHS Clinical Soft Intelligence Service in partnership with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and supported by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy to the Improving Rehabilitation Services Community of Practice.

 

This webinar will explore two examples of how service providers have carried out service improvements across health, social care and the voluntary sector.

 

Following the webinar, participants will be aware of:

·        alternative ways of engaging with partner organisations to deliver good rehabilitation

·        how these services overcame barriers and be able to consider ways in which they are applicable to their own circumstances

 

Speakers will include

Dr Karen Robb – Regional Lead for Rehabilitation - London

Bernadette Kennedy - St. George's Healthcare NHS Trust

Dr Joanne Fillingham – Regional Lead for Rehabilitation – Midlands and East

Alison Shortman - Staffordshire and Stoke On Trent Partnership Trust

 

To find out more and to register for this webinar, please go to:

http://tinyurl.com/CSIweb3a

 

Participants have the opportunity to submit questions on this topic to our speakers before and during the webinar. 

Please note places are limited.  Unfortunately webinar content currently cannot be viewed on mobile devices.

Please refer to the RCSLT’s webinar guide for participants for more information on participating in a webinar, and technical requirements

 

If you have any relevant examples of great services, guidelines or resources which you have produced or know of, we would be delighted to hear about them on the NHSCSI on line forum. 

Trulife - Senior Orthotist Opportunities

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Lancashire Teaching Hospitals - Senior Orthotist

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Dorset Hospitals, Orthotist, Dorset

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Peacocks - Experienced Orthotists

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National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded Masters in Clinical Research

The University of Brighton are now recruiting for NIHR fully funded (SUBJECT TO AGREEMENT BY NIHR) places for the MRes (Clinical Research) course, starting in September 2015. Funding includes salary costs and course fees for full time over one year or part time route over two years.

Click here to view more information.

Prosthetic developments worth watching

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