Education

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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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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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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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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.

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Join us for 90 minutes to celebrate the launch of the BAPO P&O Clinical Educator Network and supporting resources.  This event will mark the launch with an overview of the work plus guest speakers talking us through some of the essential wrap around resources that BAPO has produced during 2024. 

This webinar is for P&O clinical educator network members and non-members who may be considering joining, plus P&O academic educators, plus anyone else interested in the work.

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Webinar Invitation: Unlocking the Potential of Patient-Facing Support Workers & Technicians in P+O

Join us for an exciting and informative webinar showcasing the outcomes of a two-year project dedicated to advancing the roles of patient-facing Support Workers and Technicians in the Prosthetics and Orthotics (P+O) workforce.

We’ll introduce:
✅ A Framework designed to define and enhance these roles.
✅ Web-based resources to showcase the roles.
✅ A survey-based report that benchmarks current practices across the workforce.

This session is designed to raise awareness of these valuable resources and provide actionable insights for integrating them into practice. Together, we can continue to grow and validate P+O careers for this essential segment of the workforce.

Who should attend?

• Service managers
• Support Workers and Technicians
• P+O professionals and educators

Be part of this important conversation and help shape the future of P+O careers!

Details

We known there are significant workforce challenges for P&O. The UK’s smallest allied health profession, it has the highest attrition rate amongst them. Only 34% of respondents to a recent workforce survey ‘definitely’ planned to stay in the profession for the next five years. Low levels of job satisfaction, lack of career progression, and not feeling valued were leading reasons for considering leaving.

There is no single solution to this alarming situation, but providing developmental opportunities enabling clinicians to grow fulfilling careers will certainly make a difference – one that brings benefits to employers, services and services users as well. This webinar will explore the existing and emerging pathways to supporting career growth as part of the efforts to sustain the profession.

During this webinar we will explore:

• why individual and collective action is essential to ensure sustainability of the workforce and the profession.
• new and emerging approaches to supporting professional and career development for the registered workforce.
• benefits that extend beyond individual clinicians’ careers to positively impact on employers, services and service users.

Who is this for:

Primary target audience is employers and line managers. The further audience is clinicians at a range of levels who are interested in learning more about existing and emerging career development opportunities.