It ’ s not too late to contribute to this year ’ s UK Parkinson ’ s Audit
© izusek via Getty Images
The RCOT Specialist Section – Neurological Practice is urging eligible occupational therapists to take part in the UK Parkinson ’ s Audit for 2022 .
As the recognised quality improvement tool for Parkinson ’ s services , the audit allows measurement of practice against evidence-based standards and patient feedback in a continuous improvement cycle .
The last biannual audit , which took place in 2019 showed positive trends in some areas of practice , but that there were still challenges to be tackled across many topics and all professions . There was no audit in 2021 to give services time to adjust to the pandemic .
With a deadline of 31 March 2022 , this is an excellent opportunity to be part of a larger Parkinson ’ s community committed to improving service quality , providing occupational therapists with a chance to reflect on current and best practice , promote the profession by highlighting the valued role occupational therapists have when working with people with Parkinson ’ s , as well as being a good CPD opportunity .
On taking part in previous audits , Laura Hartley , secretary of the specialist section ’ s Long- Term Conditions Forum , says that working with physiotherapy and speech and language therapy colleagues to benchmark the service against others is ‘ extremely beneficial ’.
Parkinson ’ s UK offers three ‘ top tips ’ to getting the most out of taking part in the audit : It builds an evidence base and attracts funding ; your service improvement project can be used for Excellence Network Award nomination ; and you can gain recognition within your own organisation .
Laura adds : ‘ Parkinson ’ s UK is incredibly supportive during the audit process , providing services with feedback and offering service improvement projects .’ Register before 31 March 2022 to take part
www . parkinsons . org . uk / audit .
Get involved with the # OTalk team and help build a bigger place to talk occupation
# OTalk is the weekly Twitter chat , run by a team of occupational therapy volunteers , that encourages virtual discussion on occupational therapy and the broader discipline of occupational science .
With a global reach of over 21,000 followers , # OTalk has been continually evolving since its launch in October 2011 , and the team is now looking to expand and find new members from a range of diverse backgrounds .
The current # OTalk team consists of six volunteers – Helen Rushton , Rachel Booth- Gardiner , Kelly Murray , Kirstie Hughes , Ruth Hawes and Caroline Codero . There is also an # OTalk research team , comprising Dr Jenny Preston and Dr Nikki Daniels .
Kirstie Hughes , an occupational therapist working in diverse practice , specialising in the role of occupational therapy in the assistance dog sector , says that being on the # OTalk team has given her ‘ the opportunity to connect with people globally , and to learn about different areas of practice ’, while supporting her to form new friendships and meet mentors .
Rachel Booth-Gardiner , blogger , feminist , and disability activist , who works within acute , rehabilitation and forensic mental health settings adds : ‘ Everything has its “ pros and cons ”; like any volunteer role , it is a time commitment , but eight years on I am still excited by the opportunities that have opened , including website and brand development . I have also learnt negotiation , diplomacy , and leadership skills .’ To find out more about # OTalk visit https :// otalk . co . uk /. To join the # OTalk team , send them a DM https :// twitter . com / OTalk _/ status / 1482980455951605760 .
8 OTnews February 2022