News
Landmark Study Reveals Critical Shortage in UK Prosthetic and Orthotic Workforce
A study by the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies (CBRT) at Staffordshire University has revealed a significant deficit in the number of prosthetists, orthotists and prosthetic/orthotic technicians and support workers working in the UK. The final report is formally launched on 6th November 2023.
This research, commissioned by the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO), found there are currently 631 orthotists and 295 prosthetists employed nationwide. However, an additional 142 to 477 prosthetists/orthotists are needed to meet World Health Organization standards of care.
“This workforce shortage is worrying,” said Professor Nachi Chockalingam, Director of CBRT and a senior author of the study. “With our ageing population, demand for prosthetic and orthotic services will only increase. We urgently need strategies to grow and sustain this profession.”
The study also identified a lack of qualified technicians and support workers to support prosthetist/orthotist teams, with a shortage of 1,133 to 1,803 individuals by WHO benchmarks. Significant recruitment challenges were reported by both NHS and private sector employers.
“This landmark report provides the hard evidence we need to take action,” said Dr Nicky Eddison, lead researcher. “Working with professional bodies, higher education institutions and the industry we must inspire the next generation and make prosthetics/orthotics an attractive career choice.”
The report highlighted retention issues as well, with 1 in 5 prosthetists/orthotists indicating they may leave the field in the next five years. Key factors driving attrition include lack of career progression, poor work-life balance and lack of flexibility.
Another senior author Dr Aoife Healy, added: “Prosthetist/orthotist is an incredibly skilled profession that allows for a high degree of creativity combined with cutting-edge technology to transform patients’ lives.”
Mr Peter Iliff, the Chair of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists said, “We need to nurture these professionals so they feel valued and able to thrive throughout their careers. BAPO has pledged to implement the report’s recommendations around enhanced educational programs, expanded roles for prosthetic/orthotic technicians and support workers, and greater collaboration to sustain the workforce.”
“With commitment from all stakeholders, we can build the prosthetic/orthotic workforce needed to provide quality care to all who require it,” Professor Chockalingam said. “We look forward to partnering across the health sector to make this vision a reality.”
BAPO_Workforce_Mapping_Document_FINAL
Exploring the updated AHP Principles of practice based learning
This year, working with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), we have jointly led eight other professional bodies to update our Principles of practice based learning
This means the principles are now co-badged by 10 AHP professional bodies to support you in creating quality and sustainable placement opportunities.
Peter Iliff, Chair of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists, emphasized that practice-based learning poses challenges for both educators and learners. BAPO is happy to have been part of the co-production of this work
It is our aspiration that this undertaking will serve as a valuable resource, guiding the workforce toward a more diverse and enriching learning journey.
Topol Digital Fellowships
The Topol Digital Fellowship provides health and social care professionals with time, support and training to lead digital health transformations and innovations in their organisations.
Cohort 5 – April 2024
To apply to become a Topol Digital Fellow and join Cohort 5 of the programme, you need to complete and submit the online application form in full by 23:59pm on November 20, 2023.
For more information on how to apply for Cohort 5 of the Topol Digital Fellowship and sign up for the drop-in webinars visit Cohort 5: Apply here — Topol Digital Fellowships (hee.nhs.uk)
Webinars
Tuesday 31st October 14:00 – 15:00
Monday 13 November 13:00 – 14:00
The BAPO and Staffordshire University Research Hub Application
Research project:
The focus of this project will be on exploring and testing the rigidity of AFOs and how prescription design impacts rigidity. The research team consists of Prof. Nachi Chockalingam, Dr Nicky Eddison and Panagiotis Chatzistergos.
Benefits:
The P&O professionals who join the team to work on the project will gain experience of how a real research project works. They will work alongside the team learning how to carry out a literature search, design and execute a research project, collect and analyse data and write a paper for peer-reviewed publication and/or Health Education England report. The individual will be duly recognised within any future publications or reports either as a co-author or acknowledged as a contributor depending on the contributions they make to the overall project.
The process:
Once the applications have been received from BAPO members, the research team will choose two applicants and brief them on the detail of the project. The successful applicants will then be invited to all the research meetings and be included as a full member of the team for the duration of the project.
Who can apply:
Applications are open to all UK Prosthetists and Orthotists who are BAPO members; experience in research, years of practice and current job role are not relevant to the application process. The aim is to give everyone the opportunity to be part of research. Please note: the research hub is only for qualified P&O staff, students are not permitted to apply.
Is there a cost?
There is no cost to the applicant, this is a free-of-charge initiative with the aim of inspiring P&O professionals into research.
Complete the application form here
Please note deadline for applications – November 30th 2023
Testimonials
“Being part of the ‘Research Hub’ was a great experience, and I’m hugely grateful for the opportunity. I learned so much about the research process starting from literature searches right through to the submission of articles for publication. Huge thanks to Nicky and the team for their work with this initiative, can’t wait to see the finished article in print!” Nina Darke Orthotist
“I think the Research Hub itself is a fantastic initiative which will benefit our community I hope over time it can transform how our profession views and engages with research, and hopefully how other AHPs engage with us! “ Gwen Griffith, Prosthetist
“Being part of the research hub, allowed for this interest [in research] to become reality, whilst also acting as a safe space to really navigate and learn the world of research. This opportunity has been exceptional, as it’s acted as a gateway into research, and I would encourage all to take the leap should they be interested” Millar Leask, Orthotist
“I feel very lucky to have been chosen to represent our profession in the workforce project. Having never participated in any formal research previously, this was quite a challenging prospect. I wondered what I’d let myself in for, and questioned when I was going to fit in the additional work. However, the team have been incredibly welcoming and encouraging. I’ve never been given any task that was out of my ability, and it’s been an insightful process to see how much work goes into putting such a piece of work together. At each stage, the team have been really supportive and understanding of clinical workload. If asked would I do it again…yes!” Caroline Jackson, Orthotist
Monday 13 November 2023 – Teatime Talk – 6pm to 7pm: Model for the Management of Partial Foot Amputations
Healthcare Professions Accessing the Clinical Tariff – For education and training placements
A document has been created which aims to demystify and summarise clinical tariff. It details how it works, how the funding works and case studies of how it’s being used. The document has been created as it has been highlighted there is confusion around clinical tariff.
This guidance has been revised due to the recent publication of the updated Tariff Guidance for 2023-24 (published 17/10/23).
Opportunities for postdoctoral researchers
The NIHR currently has a wide range of training and career development opportunities available for individuals at postdoctoral level, including a number of brand new funding programmes. These awards are accessible to those from a variety of professions, and can provide excellent support to those wishing to further progress their research career.
Undergraduate Internship Programme
The Undergraduate Internship Programme is a new scheme which provides funding for early to mid-career researchers to host up to 3 interns. Interns will undertake a fully funded and flexible placement in the area or discipline they are interested in pursuing, whilst the applicant will have an opportunity to gain valuable supervisory and grant application experience.
Applications open to researchers from 31st October 2023
Advanced Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship
The ACAF supports postdoctoral researchers to develop their academic career while developing their health or care career. The award offers funding to cover the Lead Applicant’s salary costs, the costs of an appropriate research project, and the costs of a tailored academic and professional development programme.
Applications close on 15th November 2023
Clinical Academic Research Partnership
The Clinical Academic Research Partnerships (CARP) scheme funds research-qualified health professionals, not currently undertaking any substantial research activity, to form a collaborative high-quality research partnership with established biomedical and applied health researchers.
Applications close on 16th November 2023
Development and Skills Enhancement Award
The DSE award is a funding opportunity aimed at supporting early to mid-career researchers in gaining specific skills and experience to underpin the next phase of their research career. The award will provide 1 year funding to enable researchers to develop their skills in any area which will benefit their development as a researcher within NIHR’s remit.
Applications close on 24th November 2023
Pre-Application Support Fund
The Pre-Application Support Fund is a new scheme providing extra support to those who need it to enhance their chances of making a successful application to an NIHR career development scheme in the future. This may include a contribution to the salary of the applicant, training and development, and mentorship or supervisory costs. Available for all career levels.
Applications close on 30th November 2023
Global Research Professorships
The Global Research Professorship programme supports outstanding academics to work at professorial level. The programme funds researchers undertaking research that aims to specifically and primarily benefit people in LMICs eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA). The award provides an extensive support package alongside the professorship, to include support posts, research costs and a leadership and development programme.
Applications close on 6th December 2023
Advanced Fellowship
The Advanced Fellowship provides funding and support to individuals at postdoctoral level with the potential to become future leaders in research within the NIHR’s remit. The fellowship is available to all professions and can be completed between 2 and 5 years on a full time or part time basis.
Applications close on 18th January 2024
Research Professorships
The NIHR Advanced Fellowship is a postdoctoral Fellowship aimed at anyone with a PhD who hasn’t yet been appointed to a professorial post. The Advanced Fellowship supports individuals undertaking research in any scientific discipline or sector that can demonstrate a contribution to improving health and/or care.
Applications close on 18th January 2024
Senior Clinical and Practitioner Research Award
The SCPRA is a new opportunity which provides funding of up to 5 years for individuals at postdoctoral level to engage in research activities. The award offers applicants flexibility in that they can propose a broad range of research activities to support their career development, such as preparing for future funding applications, or undertaking relevant training.