I wish to offer my sincere thanks to BAPO and OETT for the funding and support I received to help me throughout several years of studying at MSc level. I have recently successfully completed my MSc in Clinical Biomechanics at Staffordshire University. Again, thank you for the continued help and support I have received. Without this help and support I would not have achieved so much.
I have found the HNC course enlightening and useful in my work, in particular the units covering communication methods, data storage and dissemination. I have learnt the importance of and how to apply stakeholder analysis. This has enabled me to fully understand the differing requirements of each stakeholder involved in my area of work. The organisational behaviour unit has helped me understand the concept of leadership, the relevance of organisational culture and how to apply managerial and motivational theory. I have also learnt approaches to business strategy and how create and implement strategy. The unit titled PPD explored learning approaches and strategies to promote and encourage life long learning, which I have applied, not only to myself but also to some of my staff to help them meet their HCPC commitments, as well as considering their personal goals. The assignments throughout the course have helped me explore both my own organisation and the industry I work in, giving me a better understanding, ability and confidence in my current role.
As a current user of the Boston brace system I was excited to attend this course as on occasion I felt out of my depth. I had previously been trained 6+ years ago then had little exposure to patients. Though I understood the principals of the system, the gap between training and practice lead me to forgetting some of the intricacies.
Although the course was pitched in a manner that an absolute beginner could follow and learn there was plenty of information for those of us who were there for refreshers. The course was modern and relevant. A physio told us how she is doing a Pilates class for scoli patients. Her clients are varied ages and all feel there are benefits they feel comfortable in the class as they all suffer the same deformity. She tailors the routine after assessing individually so each client benefits the greatest. Thinking about our patients out of brace and post bracing is something we should be doing. In fact a girl just about to wean out of her brace asked me for advice on any exercise she could do so I was able to direct her to Pilates. She was thrilled at receiving something other than just a brace from me that will help her.
The second day was practical after the day of theory on the first day. Two patients attended and we all had a module which we were to map and trim after reading the x-rays and measuring the patients. Getting hands on on a course like this is essential and all tools and equipment were provided. Speakers were experienced and forthcoming with their knowledge.
Overall I cam away with a greater understanding of how to treat my patients and a new confidence which was instantly helpful with my next weeks clinic where I saw three new cases.
Our OETT keynote speaker for BAPO 2013 was Professor William Jeffcoate who presented on “Diabetes – the ticking bomb” to a standing room only audience of predominately Orthotists as well as other AHP’s, Prosthetists, technicians and therapist colleagues Professor Jeffcoate, a consultant endocrinologist whose passion is the creation of evidence to underpin clinical practice, presented on the management of the Charcot foot; this has been the major interest and subject of four major foot ulcer trials. The trials were undertaken by his specialised service for the management of the foot in diabetes that has produced over 80 peer reviewed publications. Presently he is chair/co-chair of systematic review working parties for the international Working Group on the Diabetic Foot on infection and on treatment to improve healing. In 2010-12 he has been lead of the working party to develop an audit tool for foot care in routine clinical practice.
His presentation was a resounding success with a balance of education and entertainment from one of the UK’s most eminent speakers on Diabetes that encompassed OETT principles to advance orthotic education.
I attended the ISPO World Congress 2013 conference in Hyderabad, India to present a literature review on the orthotic management of deformational plagiocephaly. As a recent graduate from the University of Strathclyde, this was the first World Congress conference that I attended and to have this opportunity to present at it was fantastic. I am very grateful to OETT who agreed to fund a considerable amount towards the experience, alongside the company I work for.
The review was carried out as part of my undergraduate degree and I was whole-heartedly supported by my two supervisors. I presented my paper in a paediatric free paper session and was the only presentation regarding head shape deformities in these sessions. My presentation was very well received and as expected it generated some discussion regarding the controversial treatment protocols for head shape deformities in infants. It was interesting to be able to hear about the treatment methods on an international scale, as I was able to further discuss my findings with other Orthotists who practice cranial remoulding as part of their clinics. Although I do not practice cranial remoulding in my clinics at the moment, I feel that I have knowledge to discuss the topic with clinicians who do because of the in depth research I carried out for my literature review.
The controversy regarding deformational plagiocephaly comes from the belief that it is a purely cosmetic condition. This means that in the UK families must fund their own treatment which can be fairly costly. My literature aimed to look at the efficacy of the methods of shape capture of the infant’s skull, as well as finding out the best and most effective mode of treatment remould the skull.
By attending the conference I have been able to further my learning by taking part in instructional courses, for example on OA knee bracing as well as symposiums of which the most interesting and appealing to myself were the presentations regarding new advances in design of orthopaedic footwear and the treatment of the diabetic foot. The two large exhibition halls were a great opportunity to meet fellow clinicians and find out about new products which are available.
Since return from the conference I feel my skills as a clinician have grown and I have the confidence to present another exciting project the opportunity next arises.
Peacocks Medical Group, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Hyderabad India – 4-7th February 2013
The benefits of this fantastic opportunity fell into three categories, academic presentations, exhibition and networking. The congress was well attended by a delegation from around the world providing the opportunity to share and understand the orthotic challenges and solutions of different cultures, this has considerable relevance to our work in the UK as our multi-cultural society expects us to take into consideration he needs and expectations of those different cultures.
Academic programme:
This offered a considerable array from which to choose with a broad programme of free papers and keynote speakers of international acclaim. This served to both increase my clinical knowledge but also learned of new research to support and reinforce my current practice. I also took the opportunity to debate and explore options and theories with several of the speakers. there were several key topics through programme; Osteo arthritis of the knee and the use of AFOs in hemi/diplegia
Exhibition:
This was very interesting having the usual global exhibitors along with some of the more local companies. I took the opportunity to explore new devices and componentry with some new designs on stance contract KAFOs and some interesting developments on 3d scanning and manufacturing options.
Networking:
It was fantastic to be able to renew acquaintances with people from all over the world. Many share similar challenges to those in the UK in the politics and challenges of delivery healthcare via large organisations. I believe I have secured over sea speakers for BAPO and ISPO who will share research and stimulate the UK orthotic world in the coming year.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank OETT and Peacocks Medical Group for the opportunity of attending this fantastic and stimulating event.