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Making it easier for patients to get the right walking aid
Patients are to benefit from an agreement to introduce standard ways to describe the size of walking aid products and measure users for them .
In a project led by NHS Supply Chain , working in partnership with the British Healthcare Trades Association ( BHTA ) and with the endorsement of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy , suppliers of walking aid products have agreed to :
• A common set of terms to describe the height and width of products .
• The sizing measurements covered by each of these terms , such as narrow or standard width , or small , medium , large or extra-large height .
• Standard ways of measuring patients to ensure the correct size walking aid is selected for them .
Simon Ball , Clinical Engagement and Implementation Manager , NHS Supply Chain said : ‘ Suppliers previously measured walking aid sizes in different ways which created unnecessary confusion when patients were being fitted with a walking aid but also made it harder for physiotherapists and other NHS staff to order the correct sizes .
‘ Our idea was to engage with BHTA members , professional bodies and their members , suppliers and walking aid users to agree a way forward which just makes life easier for everyone involved .
‘ All walking aid products on the NHS Supply Chain catalogue now use the new standard description terms and sizing guides , making ordering the correct products easier . All suppliers and distributors are now being asked to implement the agreed approach too .’
David Stockdale , Chief Executive Officer , BHTA , added : ‘ This new initiative of standardising terms and measurements for walking aid products isn ’ t just about simplifying processes ; it ’ s about enhancing the overall healthcare experience for patients . Every patient should receive the right walking aid , tailored to their specific needs . BHTA and our Independent living section are proud to have been part of this project .’
The BHTA has produced a guide to inform suppliers of the new approach , which sets out all the precise measurements within the agreed terminology . Read more at https :// bit . ly / 47Epdqf .
© Jovanmandic via Getty Images
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