The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists

News

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BAPOs Leadership Programme 2022-2023

Why?
Prosthetists and orthotists will be most effective in delivering and improving healthcare if there is sufficient leadership to maximise their contribution and impact their future.
This programme is aimed at harnessing the potential of prosthetists and orthotists to transform
healthcare. Like other AHP professions, outcomes in prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) are often
poorly understood, resulting in missed opportunities to support improvement.
The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists’ (BAPO) aim is to develop a programme which
fulfils the delegates’ leadership expectations from both an operational and strategic perspective, to
provide a catalyst for their future professional and career development.


What?
Course content
• Delivery by national and international speakers
• AHP leadership – where you fit in
• Leadership theories
• Adaptability and resilience
• Working with colleagues – understanding personality traits
• SpotlightPROFILE – individual assessment profiles to support understanding of self
• Business case writing in healthcare – an essential tool for improving your services
• Making an impact – leadership that works


When?
The Leadership Programme will commence on Friday 25th November 2022, with a follow
up session in early 2023. In addition, we will be hosting evening seminars to support the learners
on their leadership journey.


Where?
The event will take place face to face at the Royal College of Podiatry offices, Tower
Bridge, London, a world class venue. The follow up session and the evening seminars will be held
virtually.


Who?
This fully funded programme is open to all BAPO members across the UK. The programme
has been developed to support the next generation of leaders in P&O.


Application process
To apply for one of the limited spaces, applicants need to complete a 250-word
expression of interest to attend this programme, entitled:
“How this BAPO leadership programme will assist my own professional development”


Send your expression of interest by completing the MS Form and emailing your CV to
enquiries@bapo.com.

Closing date – Monday 5th September 2022
Successful candidates will be informed by Friday 16th September 2022


Background Information
BAPO has been successful in obtaining an educational grant from Health Educational England
(HEE). This funding will support a professional development programme to support the next
generation of leaders in P&O.
To be truly effective, leaders need to build a toolkit of knowledge, skills and behaviours that will set
them, their teams, and their organisations up for success.
Leaders are role models, and the example they set has a huge impact on the organisational
culture. It is therefore critical that they first appreciate and then demonstrate the appropriate
behaviours that build trust and promote a positive working environment – and do so authentically
and consistently.
The programme has been developed and will be facilitated by Real Healthcare Solutions Ltd.

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New Secretary 2022

The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) has confirmed that Christabelle Asoluka has been appointed as the association’s new Secretary

Commenting on the recent appointment, BAPO’s Chair, Peter Iliff, said: “I am delighted that Krista has taken the role of Secretary for BAPO.  It is such an important role for the association both in supporting our valued members while working alongside our various committee members across our calendar of meetings.”

BAPO’s new Secretary Christabelle Asoluka said: “It is a great honour that I have the opportunity to volunteer as the Secretary of BAPO’s executive committee. I am delighted to take on this role to contribute to the smooth running of BAPO and assist in supporting our members in this given capacity.” 

Krista takes on the role with immediate effect following Kate Spiller recently stepping down from the role after almost two years of service.

Peter Iliff added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kate Spiller for her hard work during her time as BAPO’s Secretary and wish Krista much success going forward.”

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MSK Course

BAPO have just released additional dates for the MSK course. To book please go to the members section and either sign into your account if you are a member or for non-members create a temporary account to book electronically

This course is now full

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NICE Osteoarthritis: assessment and management (update)

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recently proposed an update for the Osteoarthritis: assessment and management guidance (previously published in 2014). The new guidance recommends a significant change in practice which is likely to impact orthotic provision for adults with osteoarthritis. The new guidance recommends the following:

“On considering the evidence identified in this review, the committee agreed that, in general, the evidence for insoles, braces, tape, splints and supports showed no clinically important benefits from their usage when compared to no device use. In some cases, potential harms from the devices were identified (such as blisters with braces). Given this, the committee agreed that based on the absence of strong evidence of benefit and some evidence of harm, that these devices should not be routinely offered”

The statement can be found in “[H] Evidence reviews for the clinical and cost-effectiveness of devices for the management of osteoarthritis” on page 93 lines 33-44.

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BAPO’s position

The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) strongly opposes this recommendation. BAPO feels it reduces the service users’ conservative treatment options, particularly where surgery and pharmaceutical intervention is contraindicated.
It is ambiguous in terms of orthotic provision as an adjunct to other interventions e.g., pre-and post-surgery. Similarly, the use of the term “routinely” creates further ambiguity.

BAPO is also disappointed that an orthotist was not included as part of the committee reviewing these guidelines.

BAPO has submitted an official response to the guidance outlining our concerns. We await a response from NICE and will endeavour to keep our members up to date with any progress.