The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists

Education

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BAPO Teatime Talk – The Prosthetics and Orthotics Profession in New Zealand

Details

The presentation will include an overview of opportunities for Prosthetists and Orthotists in New Zealand, focusing on various companies, contracts, and the district health board, as well as insights into ACC-related work. 

I will share a brief presentation detailing my professional development in New Zealand, highlighting my role as a Clinical Orthotist for Peke Waihanga and my position as an executive member of NZOPA. Following this, I will discuss the New Zealand Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (NZOPA), addressing both the successes and challenges we encounter in the field. 

Additionally, I will present relevant statistics regarding the workforce size, the patient population we serve, and key metrics such as referral and wait times. 

 

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BAPO Teatime Talk – Multidisciplinary Care in Rheumatology: The Role of the Podiatrist and Opportunities for Orthotist Integration

Details

In this talk, I will explore the role of the podiatrist within a Rheumatology multidisciplinary team (MDT), with a focus on collaborative care and how orthotists can contribute to and complement this approach. The session will cover:

  • Common rheumatological conditions encountered
  • A holistic approach to patient assessment
  • Podiatric treatments and interventions
  • Patient advice and education
  • The referral process within the MDT
  • Roles of other MDT members, including orthotists
  • Key clinical guidance and pathways we follow

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Advances in clinical trials involving prosthetics therapies

Details

This talk will focus on clinical trials involving prosthetics therapies in the UK. Following a successful NIHR-funded feasibility trial (delivered in 2018-2020) that investigated the acceptability of a self-aligning hydraulic ankle-foot to transtibial amputee patients categorised as K2-level users (limited community mobility), the STEPFORWARD full-trial will begin in 2026. This 4-year definitive trial will evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a self-aligning foot compared to usual care feet for K2-level users. The findings of the trial will inform future decision-making and prioritisation of funding by NHS commissioners for prosthetics. This talk will also present other research involving advancing socket technologies for primary patients.  

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To tune or not to tune – is that the question?

Details

In two influential studies, a number of UK orthotists have stated they do not ‘tune’ their AFO prescriptions. The definition of tuning is to ‘adjust for optimum performance’, so this finding is puzzling and suggests UK prescriptions may not be optimised. Do these findings reflect the current status of the situation in the UK? What is the evidence for tuning and optimal alignments? Do you align your AFOFCs, and tune or optimise that alignment? If not, what are your barriers to implementation. What is usual practice in the UK, what should it be? This teatime talk will be thought provoking and provocative

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BAPO Teatime Talk – Why we feel the need to flee from ourselves

Details

Addiction cannot be explained through medicine alone, even though its effect on the body is analogous to that of a disease. Addiction is a spiritual and an existential malaise, it is an illness that stems from a crisis of meaning in an individual and a crisis of identity.   

The Living Room sums it up thus: Addiction is a flight from the self – a flight made necessary by the unbearable burden of aloneness. The addict’s childhood invariably plays a part, as children who are denied love or are punished for being authentic, grow up into adults with a desperation to fill an emotional vacuum within – a need answered by drugs, alcohol or other destructive behaviour. 

 

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BAPO Teatime Talk – The IRPAG liner algorithm – tool to assist prescription choices in prosthetic services

Details

This session will give an over view of the prosthetic liner algorithm that was developed from the IRPAG (inter regional prosthetic audit group). IRPAG is made up of prosthetic centres in the South East of England. which includes Brighton, Charing Cross, Crystal Palace, Gillingham, Harold Wood, Luton and Dunstable, Oxford, Roehampton & Stanmore. The algorithm was created to achieve a more consistent approach to liner prescription across NHS services based on the clinical need of the patient. 

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BAPO Webinar: Exploring Apprenticeships in Prosthetics & Orthotics

Details

Join us for an informative webinar designed to help employers and educators gain a comprehensive understanding of how apprenticeships in Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) work. Whether you’re considering hiring apprentices or supporting their development, this session will provide valuable insights into the process and benefits.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The benefits of apprenticeships for organizations
  • Key rules and processes for funding apprenticeships
  • Apprentice rights and responsibilities
  • The role of off-the-job training
  • Insights on funding apprentice salaries
  • Guidance for employers and practice educators working with apprentices

This webinar is a must-attend for those looking to leverage apprenticeships to grow their workforce and foster future talent in the P&O profession.