Occupational Therapy News OTnews February 2020 | Page 55

PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES RCOT produces new version of falls management guidance NETWORKING OT Parkinson’s Network invites new members A virtual network of 70 occupational therapists with an interest in Parkinson’s is inviting new members. Clare Johnson, a specialist occupational therapist based at the Derby Parkinson’s service, established and manages the OT Parkinson’s Network, and typical group emails for the network see members share ideas, digital resources or ask about other members’ experiences of novel items of equipment, such as tremor-cancelling spoons. The network connects by email and has grown over the last eight years with a survey is planned for spring to see how its members develop expertise in working with people with Parkinson’s. To join the group for free, email: [email protected]. The second edition of Occupational therapy in the prevention and management of falls in adults: practice guideline, has been published by RCOT. Edited by Gill Ward, Angie Thompson and Lianne McInally, the publication is an evidence- based resource to support occupational therapists working with adults in the prevention and management of falls.  It provides a practice guideline with recommendations for those occupational therapists currently working in this speciality, as well as offering a useful reference point for students.  It can also be used to inform people who access services and carers, together with other health professionals, managers and commissioners working in adult services, about the roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapist in this clinical area. Download the publication at: www.rcot.co.uk/ practice-resources/rcot-practice-guidelines/falls. Implementation of Same Day Emergency Care Judith Liddle, Laura Thurlbeck and Lisa Stoker work for a front of house therapy team in the North East of England. In line with the NHS Long Term Plan, the team is starting to look at implementation of Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC). They would be keen to hear from any occupational therapists currently working in SDEC who could offer information about how therapy is used in this role within their trust.  Please contact: Judith Liddle ([email protected]), Laura Thurlbeck ([email protected]) or Lisa Stoker ([email protected]). NICE INFORMATION NICE is changing the way it produces and presents guidance: find out more and get involved The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is embarking on a multi-year project called NICE Connect to transform the way guidance is produced and presented, making it easier to use in practice, and ensuring that people receive evidence-based high quality care in the right place at the right time. NICE has launched a video setting out its vision for NICE Connect in more detail, with information on how to get involved. The video can be viewed at: www.nice.org.uk/about/ who-we-are/nice-connect. NICE produces new quality standard The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published the quality standard on cerebral palsy in adults, which covers care and support for those adults with cerebral palsy aged 25 and over. It describes high-quality care in priority areas for improvement. Occupational therapists are specifically referred to in the following quality statements: referral to a specialist multidisciplinary team – adults with cerebral palsy are referred to a specialist multidisciplinary team if their ability to carry out usual daily activities deteriorates or is expected to deteriorate; independent living referral – adults with cerebral palsy who want support to live independently are referred to a professional with expertise in independent living; support to work referral – adults with cerebral palsy who want support to work are referred to a professional with expertise in vocational skills and independent living. Endorsed by RCOT, the quality standard is available at: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs191. RCOT member Susan Hourihan was a member of the NICE specialist committee. • • • OTnews February 2020 55