NEWS
New occupational therapy muscle-wasting condition elearning module launched
An elearning module on muscle-wasting conditions has been launched by Muscular Dystrophy UK specifically for occupational therapists.
The module provides the information needed to safely assess a child or adult with a muscle-wasting condition, and explains how to support people with muscle-wasting conditions in tackling challenges faced in day-to-day activities. An additional introductory module is available for anybody who wants to learn more about muscle-wasting conditions.
Claire Bosanquet, a former occupational therapist who tested the e-learning modules, said:‘ As a mum and full-time carer to two sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and having worked previously as an occupational therapist, I know first-hand how important it is for people in the profession to have a good understanding of rare and complex muscle-wasting conditions. The module will help occupational therapists to upskill so they can provide the best care to children and adults with these conditions, and improve their quality of life.’
Dr Stephanie Tempest, RCOT’ s professional development manager, said:‘ This brief course provides an ideal continuing professional development opportunity if you are going on placement in an area or starting to work with someone with a muscle-wasting condition, perhaps in assessments for wheelchairs or housing adaptions.’
To use the modules, visit: www. bit. ly / 2ORbtQJ.
Number of falls in care drop
The number of people having falls in care has dropped, according to analysis by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence( NICE).
While the number of falls at home are difficult to quantify, it is estimated that a third of over-65s have a fall at least once a year, costing the NHS £ 4.4 billion a year. NICE has issued a progress report on how well its guidance has been implemented to help prevent falls. Changes in fall management in recent years has seen NICE recommend that inpatient fall risk prediction tools are no longer used, prompting a massive drop in their deployment. Instead, multifactorial risk assessments to more fully identify the risk factors for falling are recommended.
NICE also recommended more work to improve the uptake of strength and balance training.
RCOT is currently working with the RCOT Specialist Section – Older People to review its falls prevention guidelines.
© GettyImages / Kheat
Care sector saves NHS £ 60 million with improved discharge
Claire Bosanquet with her sons Tom( 15) and Jack( 18)
AHP mental health best practice gathered during October
The most innovative work done by allied health professionals in adult mental health in England is being collected throughout October by RCOT.
The AHPs Debate website, sponsored by Health Education England, will collect examples and innovations that have the potential to be rolled out more widely.
The site was launched on World Mental Health Day on 10 October. Anonymous contributions can be made at https:// ahpsdebate. clevertogether. com until the end of October.
Improvements to hospital discharge in adult social care has saved the NHS in England £ 60 million, according to new analysis by social care leaders.
The number of bed days caused by delays in social care has fallen by over 40 per cent since last March. The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services( ADASS) said that the government needed to deliver a long-term funding solution for social care in its long-anticipated green paper this winter. It claimed that‘ not a single director’ was confident of meeting all the statutory duties by 2020-21 without more funding.
Karin Orman, RCOT lead professional adviser, said:‘ This report once again shows how health and social care need to take an integrated approach to ensuring timely and successful discharge from hospitals.
‘ There are occupational therapists working across sectors to ensure social care support is matched to people’ s needs, and that assessments and hand offs between occupational therapists are kept to a minimum.’
RCOT is updating its good practice examples on integrated approaches and is keen to hear from members; please send examples to cassie. frasershanley @ rcot. co. uk.
6 OTnews October 2018