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Showing results for tags 'Physiotherapist'.
Found 33 results
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News Article
Stiffer stroke target introduced – despite failure to meet old standard
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
The failure of trusts to offer stroke patients the level of rehab required by standards introduced 10 years ago has not prevented the publication of new guidance which demands even higher performance. New guidance has been issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) which says recovering stroke patients should receive therapy for at least three hours a day, five days each week. Performance against this standard is not yet measured, but figures analysed by HSJ show nearly all units treating stroke patients are falling well short of the previous NICE standard issued in 2013. This required a much less ambitious 45 minutes per day. The figures suggest it is inconceivable the NHS will meet the new NICE rehab requirements in the near future. When they were launched, NICE said: “It shouldn’t be underestimated how important it is for people who have been left with disabilities following a stroke to be given the opportunity to benefit from the intensity and duration of rehabilitation therapies outlined in this updated guideline.” But Chartered Society of Physiotherapy chief executive Karen Middleton said there was no funding for physios to work on rehab, despite increases in staff supply. “Funding that we know is already limited is being prioritised to other things rather than into rehab,” she said. Read full story (paywalled) Source: HSJ, 29 November 2023 -
News ArticleExtra beds squeezed into hospitals as part of winter planning are crowding out space for rehab, pushing up length of stay and knock-on costs, and increasing the chance of readmission, NHS leaders have been warned. Systems and trusts were encouraged to staff thousands of additional ward beds in the run-up to last winter to try to ease emergency care pressures, and government and NHS England have since asked for many of them to be kept open through the year. However, many of the additional beds are not in proper ward spaces, instead being located in gyms and other areas used for physiotherapy and other rehab. This followed on from some rehab areas already being lost during the pandemic, to be used for beds or storage. NHSE has sent out a warning about the issue, following a commitment by ministers earlier this year. However, senior figures in physio and older people’s care remain concerned the spaces will not be restored without checks and enforcement, especially as acute trusts remain under pressure to increase general bed space.
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Event
End PJ Paralysis 4th Global Summit
Patient Safety Learning posted an event in Community Calendar
untilThe 4th #EndPJparalysis Global Summit will bring people from health and social care around the world together to share best practice, to explore the research, case studies and lived experience around the impact of deconditioning. The Summit will include a wide range of clinical presentations as well as leadership discussions and perspectives on looking after those in the caring professions. Like previous years, there will be an eclectic mix of speakers, panel discussions and the opportunity to ask questions and build up your peer network. The Summit will run online for 36hrs. Sessions will be recorded and available to those registered after the event. The Summit is free to all people in health and social care. Register -
Content ArticleThis report examines the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on people living with long-term conditions and highlights that many have deteriorated faster than usual due to being unable to access rehabilitation services. It makes recommendations to the government aimed at restoring rehabilitation support services. The report was produced collaboratively by The Alzheimer's Society, The Stroke Association, Macmillan Cancer Support, The Centre for Mental Health, Age UK, The College of Podiatry, The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, The Royal College of Occupational Therapists, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and The British Dietetic Association.
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Content ArticleCollectively, allied health professionals (AHPs) are the third largest clinical workforce in the NHS: there are 185,000 AHPs working in 14 professions across the spectrum of health and care, education, academia, research, the criminal justice system and the voluntary and private sectors. This NHS England strategy is for the whole AHP community, including support workers, assistant practitioners, registered professionals, pre-registration apprentices and students. It aims to reflect how AHPs work in multidisciplinary teams, so that the AHP community working in a variety of health and care sectors can use it to continually improve and redesign services.
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Content Article
End PJ paralysis campaign
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Patient management
#EndPJparalysis has become a global movement embraced by nurses, therapists and medical colleagues. Its aim: to value patients’ time and help more people to live the richest, fullest lives possible by reducing immobility, muscle deconditioning, and dependency at the same time as protecting cognitive function, social interaction and dignity. Many of the people we care for are in their last 1000 days and they are the very people who do not have time to waste. Yet they are the people who are most likely to get stuck in our hospital systems due to their complex health and social needs. There is plenty of evidence that immobility in hospital leads to deconditioning, loss of functional ability and cognitive impairment, all of which have the potential to increase a patient’s length of stay, using up their valuable time. One of the major impacts of the #EndPJparalysis campaign has been the focus on both the individual and the organisational impact of ‘staying in bed’. -
Content ArticleHip fracture is a serious, life-changing injury that can affect older people, and is the most common reason for them to need emergency anaesthesia and surgery. The Physiotherapy Hip Fracture Sprint Audit (PHFSA) was the biggest ever audit of UK physiotherapy, and has implications for physiotherapists working in many settings.
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Content ArticleWorld Physiotherapy is the international voice for physiotherapy, representing more than 685,000 physiotherapists worldwide, through 125 member organisations. Recognising the lack of good quality evidence relating to Long Covid and physical activity, this briefing paper aims to support healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective Long Covid rehabilitation practice, research and policy. It recommends screening for post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PACS), cardiac impairment, exertional oxygen desaturation and autonomic dysfunction before exercise is recommended to people with symptoms of Long Covid.
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Content ArticleA broken hip or ‘hip fracture’ is a serious injury, which each year in the UK leads to around 75,000 people needing hospital admission, surgery and anaesthesia, followed by weeks of rehabilitation in hospital and the community. The National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) is an online platform that uses real-time data to drive Quality Improvement (QI) across all 163 hospitals that look after patients with hip fractures in England and Wales. This report highlights key research carried out using data from the NHFD in 2021, and makes a number of recommendations to improve treatment and outcomes for patients with hip fractures.
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News Article
Thousands miss out on treatment as physiotherapists are taken off UK register
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Thousands of patients have been left without vital healthcare after nearly 1 in 10 physiotherapists was prevented from practising after their regulator removed them from its register. Exactly 5,311 physiotherapists were deregistered by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) on 1 May because they had not renewed their registration after the HCPC decided not to send out reminder letters. Ash James, director of practice and development at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), said its helpline had been swamped with calls from distressed physiotherapists, concerned for their patients and worried about dramatic losses in income. “In one of the trusts in Liverpool, 23 physios were sent home in one day, and obviously the implication for patients is huge,” he said. “At a time when the workforce is stretched by the Covid backlog, it’s obviously not ideal that we’ve lost 9% of the workforce overnight.” Physiotherapists have many roles but play a crucial part in helping people leave hospital after long stays, because lengthy bed rest leads to muscle wastage that leaves patients needing physiotherapy to learn to walk again. So far, only about 2,300 physios have been re-registered. With most practitioners seeing at least five patients a day, the number of cancelled NHS and private appointments in the past two weeks could range between 50,000 to 100,000. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 14 May 2022 -
News Article
Law change to let pharmacists sign people off sick
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Pharmacists and some other healthcare professionals, rather than just GPs, will soon be able to sign people off sick from work, under new rules. The law change will take effect in July and apply across England, Wales and Scotland. The aim is to free up family doctors' time. People off work for more than seven consecutive days because of illness may need to show a note from a healthcare professional to their employer. When the new legislation is passed, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists (working in hospitals and GP practices) and physiotherapists will be able to provide the notes, in addition to GPs. Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: "I know how important it is for people to be able to see their GP speedily and in the way they want. "That's why we are slashing bureaucracy to reduce GPs workloads, so they can focus on seeing patients and giving people the care they urgently need. Read full story Source: BBC News, 9 June 2022 -
News Article
‘Fit-notes’ from nurses and physios to ease GP pressure
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Nurses and physiotherapists can now provide ill patients with “fit-notes” to stay off work in an attempt to ease pressure on GP services. A range of health staff including pharmacists and occupational therapists are certifying illness sign-offs under moves to free up doctors to tackle the treatment backlog. NHS Grampian has successfully completed a pilot scheme at a GP practice which staff described as “really positive” and a step in the right direction. David Cooper, a GP from Old Machar Medical Practice in Aberdeen, said: “It is a more efficient way for us to work as a practice. For the nurses, physiotherapists and others who are working closely with a patient, it makes sense for them to be able to work on fit-notes without having to refer back to a GP for sign off. “We have found it works particularly well for those with chronic, long-term conditions or illness and the process behind the scenes is also now electronic so it saves paper, time and energy.” Paul Gray, a physiotherapist at Old Machar, said: “It makes the patient’s journey easier and it is better for people to access them from those who are assessing your physical capabilities." Read full story (paywalled) Source: The Times, 6 April 2023 -
Content Article
Let’s Move for Surgery: Surgery toolkit
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Surgery
Staying active is important if you’re waiting for or recovering from surgery. If you’re fit and strong, your surgery has the best chance of success, and you’ll likely recover quicker. Over time, exercise can also increase your mobility, help your balance and boost your mood. In this Surgery Toolkit you'll find tailor-made, follow-along exercise routines for hip, shoulder and knee replacement, as well as full body workouts to help you maintain overall fitness. You can also explore personal stories and advice from those living with arthritis who have been through joint replacement surgery, and tips on keeping active from a physiotherapist. -
Content ArticleDuring periods of extreme pressure, often exacerbated by a surge in respiratory conditions, demand on supplies of oxygen cylinders, especially the smaller sizes, increases in the NHS due to the need to provide essential oxygen treatment in areas without access to medical gas pipeline systems. This surge in demand increases the known risks associated with the use of oxygen gas cylinders, and introduces new risks, across three main areas: patient safety fire safety physical safety A search of incidents reported to the of the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) and Learn from Patient Safety Events (LFPSE) service in the last 12 months identified 120 patient safety incidents, including those with these themes: cylinder empty at point of use cylinder not switched on cylinders inappropriately transported cylinders inappropriately secured Some of these reports described compromised oxygen delivery to the patient, leading to serious deterioration and cardiac or respiratory arrest. In addition there is a need to conserve oxygen cylinder use to ensure a robust supply chain process. As a result of current pressures on the NHS, NHS England issued providers with a summary of best practice guidance on the ‘Safe use of oxygen cylinders’ on Friday 06 January 2023 to support providers to optimise and maintain the safe use of oxygen cylinders. This guidance was issued via the Patient Safety Specialist and Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) networks. Actions To be completed as soon as possible, and not later than 20 January 2023. 1. The chair of acute trust medical gas committee, working with key clinical/non-clinical colleagues including the local ambulance trust, should review the NHS England ‘Safe use of oxygen cylinders’ best practice guidance and ensure a risk assessment is undertaken in all areas where patients are being acutely cared for (either temporarily or permanently) without routine access to medical gas pipeline systems. Risk assessment should pay particular attention to: avoiding unnecessary use of cylinder oxygen and excessive flow rates by ensuring oxygen treatment is optimised to recommended target saturation ranges. ensuring safe use of oxygen cylinders by clinical staff including; - safe activation of oxygen flow - initial and ongoing checks of flow to patient - initial and ongoing checks of amount of oxygen left in the cylinder - especially during transfer or whilst undergoing diagnostic tests. fire safety, including: - appropriate ventilation (both in physical environments and in ambulances), safe storage of cylinders physical safety, including: - awareness of manual handling requirements - safe transportation of cylinders using appropriate equipment - safe storage of cylinders. 2. Once the risk assessments have been undertaken, convene the acute trust medical gas committee as soon as possible to review the findings of the risk assessments and formalise an action plan. Ensuring that the committee has executive director representation and ambulance trust input.
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News Article
Millions in poor health due to lack of rehab after illness, warns UK report
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Millions of people in the UK are suffering poor health because they miss out on vital rehabilitation after strokes, heart attacks and cancer, which in turn is also heaping further pressure on the NHS, a damning report warns. Physiotherapists say some groups of patients are particularly badly affected. Without access to these services, many patients desperately trying to recover from illness became “stuck in a downward spiral”, they said, with some developing other health conditions as a result. The new report by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) says millions of people in marginalised communities, including those from ethnic minorities, are not only more likely to live shorter lives, but also spend a greater proportion of their lives struggling with health difficulties. Vital services that could tackle those inequities are either unavailable or poorly equipped to meet their needs, the report warns, adding that “some communities face particular barriers”. Prof Karen Middleton, the chief executive of the CSP, said: “Rehabilitation services have been under-resourced for decades and were not designed coherently in the first place. This has exacerbated poor health outcomes, particularly for people from marginalised groups. “It’s not only the individual who suffers. Without adequate access to rehabilitation, health conditions worsen to the point where more and more pressure is eventually piled on struggling local health systems and other public services. “We desperately need a modernised recovery and rehabilitation service that adequately supports patients following a health crisis and prevents other conditions developing.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 21 September 2022 -
News Article
NHS England: Pelvic floor physiotherapy will see improved services by March 2024
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Far too many women were rushed into mesh sling surgery for stress incontinence after birth when pelvic floor physiotherapy could have fixed or eased the problem. In France, women are offered pelvic floor physiotherapy after childbirth as standard. A recent question to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care asked what assessment the Department has made of the potential benefits of offering new mothers pelvic floor physiotherapy. This question was answered on 15 November 2022: "The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guidance recognises that physiotherapy is important for the prevention and treatment of pelvic floor problems relating to pregnancy and birth. The NHS Long Term Plan committed to ensure that women have access to multidisciplinary pelvic health clinics and pathways in England. NHS England is deploying perinatal pelvic health services to improve the prevention, identification and access to physiotherapy for pelvic health issues antenatally and postnatally. Two-thirds of local maternity and neonatal systems are expected to establish these services by the end of March 2023, with full deployment in England expected by March 2024." Source: Parallel Parliament, 15 November 2022 -
Content ArticleThis briefing paper by World Physiotherapy provides guidance to enable physiotherapists to offer safe and effective rehabilitation in people living with Long Covid.
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Content ArticleDuring the UK’s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS witnessed drastic and rapid changes to the way work was done. Not only were changes implemented at an organisational level, but at a more local level, staff across the service adapted and developed methods of coping to keep the healthcare system functioning. As a result of this, ideas and innovations that emerged during the initial response may be helpful not only in the immediate future but also in the longer term. This study from Miles et al. applied a systems approach to explore the changes and adaptations to work in the physiotherapy department of a large acute trust in the UK during the initial response to COVID-19 (April 2020).
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Content ArticleThese information sheets by World Physiotherapy, the global body for physiotherapy member organisations, were produced for World Physiotherapy Day 2021, which focused on the role of physiotherapists in treating and managing people affected by Long Covid. Topics include: What is Long Covid? Rehabilitation and Long Covid Fatigue and post-exertional symptom exacerbation How to use pacing with your physiotherapist Breathing exercises The information sheets are also available in a variety of other languages.
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Content ArticleThis health seminar, from Wellbeing of Women, focuses on one of the most taboo issues in women’s health, incontinence. An estimated 7 million women suffer urinary incontinence which can affect all areas of life, yet it is rarely spoken about and regarded as an issue that only affects older women. In this video, we hear from Luce Brett, author of PMSL: Or How I Literally Pissed Myself Laughing and Survived the Last Taboo to Tell the Tale and Elaine Miller a women’s health physiotherapist, for what is an open but also vital conversation about living with incontinence and what we can do.
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Content Article
Pelvic Roar
PatientSafetyLearning Team posted an article in Women's health
Pelvic Roar is run by three UK-based, chartered physiotherapists specialising in pelvic health conditions and uniting pelvic health campaigns. #pelvicroar is a physiotherapy-led campaign that encompasses the enormous variety of health promotion and awareness activities in place around the world. -
Content Article
Physios For M.E.
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Other conditions and diseases
Physios for M.E are a group of physiotherapists in the United Kingdom with a special interest in myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) The information provided on this website is meant to inform and signpost helpful resources. Any treatment for a person with ME should always be individualised, monitored and constantly evaluated. -
Content Article
NHS: Your COVID Recovery
PatientSafetyLearning Team posted an article in Resources for patients
When recovering from COVID-19 people may still be coming to terms with the impact the virus has had on both their body and mind. Your COVID Recovery is a digital resource that has been developed by the NHS to help people understand what has happened and what they might expect as part of their recovery. Content includes: Managing the effects Wellbeing Exercises When to seek help Information for family, friends and carers. -
Content Article"It’s time to halt, take a break, and redraw the relationship between patient care and self-care. Self-care isn’t an optional luxury. It must sit at the heart of what we do, to ensure our teams can continue to rise to the challenges of working in the 21st century NHS, to give our patients the best of both ourselves, and the organisation so many of us are proud to be a part of."
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Content ArticleCOVID-19 rehabilitation will improve exercise tolerance, muscle strength, and help patients manage breathlessness, and potentially allow someone to be discharged earlier. The treatments in this guide, produced by Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, focus on breathing, functional and physical exercises. Only complete exercises at home and in hospital that have been discussed with a clinician.
