The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists

News

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Introducing Tab Heeley – Clinical Standards Officer

BAPO is pleased to welcome Tab Heeley to the BAPO team as the new Clinical Standards Officer.

Tabby graduated from the University of Salford in 2017, and began her career working as a prosthetist across the West Midlands and North Wales. Since March 2024, Tabby has taken up the role of Clinical Skills Tutor at the University of Salford, and has also taken on the Clinical Standards Officer role within BAPO. She continues to enjoy practising prosthetics one day a week, at the Wrexham Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre.

Tabby is openly autistic, and has a special interest in neurodiversity; through her work with the University and with BAPO, she hopes to challenge perceptions of autistic people both within our profession, and in the wider world.

 

 

 

 

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Allied Health Professions Workforce Development Plan – Feedback required

HEIW AHP Workforce Development Plan

HEIW AHP Workforce Paper CYMRAEG

Dear Stakeholders,

Health Improvement Education Wales has now drafted the Allied Health Professions Workforce Development Plan. This high-level plan has been created following specific workforce engagement events and in response to the National Workforce Implementation Plan. This will aim to enable priorities and actions for AHPs in Wales.

We would welcome your feedback on the plan. We have provided a Microsoft Form and responses close on 31 March 2024.

https://forms.office.com/e/4ahFy0hHG1

Kind regards

Nicky Thomas

Associate Director of Health Allied Professions Workforce Transformation

Louise Leach

AHP Strategic Program Manager

 

Annwyl Randdeiliaid,

Mae Addysg Gwella Iechyd Cymru bellach wedi drafftio Cynllun Datblygu’r Gweithlu Proffesiynau Perthynol i Iechyd. Mae’r cynllun lefel uchel hwn wedi’i greu yn dilyn digwyddiadau ymgysylltu penodol â’r gweithlu ac mewn ymateb i’r Cynllun Gweithredu Gweithlu Cenedlaethol. Bydd hyn yn anelu at alluogi blaenoriaethau a chamau gweithredu ar gyfer AHPs yng Nghymru.

Byddem yn croesawu eich adborth ar y cynllun. Rydym wedi darparu Ffurflen Microsoft ac mae’r ymatebion yn cau ar 31 Mawrth 2024.

https://forms.office.com/e/4ahFy0hHG1

Cofion cynnes

Nicky Thomas

Cyfarwyddwr Cyswllt Trawsnewid Gweithlu Proffesiynau Perthynol i Iechyd

Louise Leach

Rheolwr Rhaglen Strategol AHP

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The 4 D’s of Delirium – for Prosthetists and Orthotists and their teams

Danger of Delirium

Delirium is among the most common of medical emergencies.  It can occur in around 20% of adult acute general medical patients as well as:-

  • In up to 50% of those who have a hip fracture.
  • In up to 75% of those in intensive care.

Having dementia increases the risk of delirium.  Other risk factors include: being aged 65 years or older, frailty, multiple illness, being male, have a history of depression, misuse of alcohol and experiencing sight or hearing loss.

Definition of Delirium and presentation

Delirium is defined as “an acute deterioration in mental functioning arising over hours or days that is triggered mainly by acute medical illness, surgery, trauma, or drugs” (SIGN 157).  It may present as a state of sudden confusion or drowsiness that can happen when someone is unwell.

Delirium can be upsetting and frightening for the person experiencing it and for those around them. For this reason, it is really important that as many people as possible know about delirium so they can understand what’s happening and seek help as soon as delirium is suspected. The experience of delirium will be different for everyone but these are few examples:

Feeling suspicious of others Being irritable, anxious or frightened Finding it hard to sit still Feeling agitated and restless Seeing things that aren’t there.Not knowing where you are or why
Being unable to keep up with conversations
Feeling incredibly drowsy and slow
Wanting to sleep all the time
Showing no interest in eating or drinking

Because of the many different ways delirium can present itself, it is often the people who know the person best who are first to notice.  This is especially the case for people living with dementia, where subtle changes in a person’s activity levels or personality can provide valuable early warning signs (Delirium Part 2 below for further information).

 

Detecting Delirium

The “SQiD” or Single Question in Delirium is a simple but highly effective way of helping to detect delirium.  Anyone can ask the SQiD and it can be used at home, in hospital or in a care home setting.  Any time a person at risk of delirium is unwell:

SQiD = “Is the person more confused or drowsy today?”

If the answer is yes, it’s important to alert the persons GP or medical team that it might be delirium.

The 4AT tool is used to identify patients with probable delirium in emergency departments and acute hospital settings.  Being aware of it, when visiting ward patients can be really useful.

 

DO to Decrease the risk of Delirium by preventing complications.

  • Discuss how a Prosthesis or Orthosis could facilitate early mobilisation and reduce falls.
  • Discuss how P & O interventions could reduce or manage pain.
  • Discuss how P & O interventions could reduce the risk of pressure sores in tandem with increasing activity, which may help promote good hydration along with relevant nourishment.
  • Consider how your communication may be less effective if the person you are treating doesn’t have their glasses or hearing aids on.  Not feeling comfortable or in control of the environment could lead to feelings of isolation, which should be reduced where possible.
  • Consider providing education to Carers, relatives and others on the four D’s of Delirium as you go about your daily routine

Information developed from:

Sign Guideline SIGN 157, March 2019 ISBN 978 1 909103 68 9

https://www.sign.ac.uk/our-guidelines/risk-reduction-and-management-of-delirium/

Blogs by Christine Steel, AHP Dementia Consultant, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Delirium Part 1 – Understanding delirium and 7 tips for reducing risk #WDAD2023 | Let’s Talk about Dementia (wordpress.com)

Delirium Part 2 – Knowing the signs and simple steps for delirium management | Let’s Talk about Dementia (wordpress.com)

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Introducing Dr Nicky Eddison, the new BAPO Chair

“I am honoured and proud to take over as the Chair of BAPO.  I am eager to work collaboratively with all of you to further the shared goals and objectives of our professional body.

First, I would like to thank my predecessor Peter Iliff for the time and effort he has committed to the role over the last three years.  I am committed to building upon the foundation that has been laid and guiding our organisation to further success.

I believe in the strength of our collective efforts and the importance of a diverse and inclusive culture. Together, we will navigate challenges, seize opportunities, raise the profile of prosthetics and orthotics, and continue to make a positive impact on patient care.

In the coming months, I look forward to engaging with you to better understand your perspectives and aspirations, and how we can work together to achieve our shared goals. Open communication and transparency will be paramount as we move forward.

Our organisation’s success hinges on the passion and commitment of its members, our dedicated staff, and volunteers. I am confident that by working together we will achieve our goals and reach our full potential.

Thank you for your support, and I am excited about the journey ahead.”

Dr Nicky Eddison received her PhD in biomechanical optimisation of ankle-foot orthoses and footwear combinations in 2018 from Staffordshire University and currently holds the position of Association Professor at the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies at Staffordshire University. In addition, Nicky is a consultant orthotist and service manager at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.  

Nicky has a portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, achieving impact within the orthotics profession both nationally and internationally and across the wider healthcare domain of Allied Health Professions. Her research interests include biomechanical optimisation, prescription footwear, gait analysis, digitalisation in healthcare, and health inequalities.