- Email: [email protected]
Derby Back Care Programme
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Members Wishing to Work Overseas The International Affairs section of the CSP Professional Affairs Department has had an increasing number of inquiries from members wishing to work overseas - not only have these requests increased in number but also in complexity. To ensure that members get as rapid a service as possible, various systems have had to be put in place. Members are requested to note these and to comply with them, thereby enabling staff to deal with these requests as speedily and smoothly as possible. Replies to inquiries will include the following: 0 Information, if available. on the country identified in the request. (Members often ask for information on a number of countries and continents; in future, informationon the first three countries only will be given.) 0 The name of the recognised member organisation of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (if available). 0 Any agencies available. 0 A factsheet on subscription considerations. 0 An answering standard letter. Members are requested to read this information carefully on receipt and contact the International Affairs Section again only if they have a query arising out of the information given.
Private Practitioners to Meet in Hong Kong Application forms are now available for the first World Confederation for Physical Therapy private practitioners’ international meeting and exhibition in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 4, 1992. The meeting is specifically aimed at those either already in private practice or those considering making the move to private practice. This meeting will provide an unprecedented opportunity for practitioners to meet on an international level. However, colleagues working in the non-private sector are, of course, more than welcome to attend. The Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice is offering to sponsor one of its members to attend this conference, including flight and course fees, Further details about how to apply can be found in the next edition of In Touch or from regional representatives. The WCPT and the OCPPP have worked hard together to produce an exciting and relevant programme. Application forms and programme are available from Miss M O’Hare, WCPT, 4a Abbotts Place, London NW6 4NP (tel 071-328 5448). The OCPPP Appointed Agent for travel arrangements is Mrs Christine Steele, La Rosa Travel, 6 Rice Parade. Fairway, Petts Wood, Kent BR5 1EQ (tel 0689 827300).
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Derby Back Care Programme Physiotherapy Services, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. 1991. €35. This ‘package’ is aimed at back school tutors and contains material which has been developed over the past 12 years a t Derbyshire Royal Infrmary. It states that the material is divided into four blocks, and templates for overhead projection acetates are included. It is presented in t h e form of a soft-covered, plastic ringbound A4 size booklet. The hack school concept is given a s education, ergonomics and exercises. The content gives comprehensive cover of most of the expected components of a back school from epidemiology and aetiology to load movement, exercise programmes and relaxation, although no further mention is made of ergonomics. Nor is the division into four blocks apparent. The diagrams are simply drawn, clear and photocopiable, and t h e written content, could be given verbatim to back pain sufferers. Herein lies the problem: as presented the package appears to be aimed a t patients, not tutors. It cculd be argued t h a t this package contains much of the content of well-run back care programmes offered anywhere in t h e UK, and i t is not clear how it is
distinguished from anybody else’s back care programme. From the tutors’ point of view there is no indication of why they should follow this programme as opposed t o any ot.her, w h a t its underlying philosophy is, what its success rate is and how it has been evaluated or any advice on how, when and where to r u n t h e programme or on how to measure outcomes. In addition, the source of the data given in t h e section on ‘the size of the problem’, ‘the causes of back pain’ and the ‘progress of back pain’ is not disclosed. Four references only are given in this booklet, the most recent of which is dated 1976. None refer to the source of the figures which are used to provide t h e impressive argument for back care. At current market values t h e high price for a comparatively cheap desk-top production such as this would suggest t h a t it is aimed at a very small exclusive specialist market. This contradicts t h e stated aim. In my view, this booklet is mis-aimed a t its stated target group and is priced too high. For these reasons I a m reluctant to recommend it.
Barbara Richardson MSc MCSP Di$l’P
Meet the Neighbours - And Learn Sammy Margo MCSP 1992 is the year of opportunities in Europe As a Chartered physiotherapist fortunate enough to have attended several physiotherapy-related courses in Europe, I encountered a number of ‘foreign’ physiotherapists with whom I exchanged clinical experiences, and I soon discovered t h a t this European species was not dissimilar to myself. This indeed marked a major turning point in my career. 1 was examining new, old and re-vamped modes of treatment which had been modified to varying degrees. These innovatory ideas were and are being fervently practised by our European colleagues, and positive clinical results are being obtained
I realised t h e inexhaustible wealth of knowledge held and used by our brother practitioners across the Channel, waiting to be s h a r d . I also gained gc.:ater insight into my own practices. reviewing them in R different light and renlising t h a t my OWII British insiilnrity had made me only moderately versatile. With the immense and rapid clinical
advances, it is undonbtrdly of vital importance to keep in line with change in all possible ways to ensure t h a t the physiotherapy profession is never allowed to stagnate. The breaking down of barriers in 1992 nieans a n inevitable forward movement, and we must not procrastinate. Let us move with the times and become involved with Europe now. We are all striving for the same goal. which is to improve the quality of our patients’ lives. There are a multitude of ways to achieve this, but how can we select t h e best? Hopefully, unification of Europe niay imply pooling of information a n d research, and achievement of the ultimate outcome.
I would strongly encoui age anyone to make a n effort to visit Europe and intentionally seek out native physiotherapists a s part of their professional development, for example, on a course, in a conference or a t a n exhibition. It will be a most revealing if not mind-blowing experience, even if it only means t h a t on your return, you may Cake a fresh look at your own ideas. See the last page of ‘Courses and Conferences’ for some suggcstions.-Editol:
Physiotherapy, March 1992, V O l 7 8 , no 3
Members Wishing to Work Overseas The International Affairs section of the CSP Professional Affairs Department has had an increasing number of inquiries from members wishing to work overseas - not only have these requests increased in number but also in complexity. To ensure that members get as rapid a service as possible, various systems have had to be put in place. Members are requested to note these and to comply with them, thereby enabling staff to deal with these requests as speedily and smoothly as possible. Replies to inquiries will include the following: 0 Information, if available. on the country identified in the request. (Members often ask for information on a number of countries and continents; in future, informationon the first three countries only will be given.) 0 The name of the recognised member organisation of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (if available). 0 Any agencies available. 0 A factsheet on subscription considerations. 0 An answering standard letter. Members are requested to read this information carefully on receipt and contact the International Affairs Section again only if they have a query arising out of the information given.
Private Practitioners to Meet in Hong Kong Application forms are now available for the first World Confederation for Physical Therapy private practitioners’ international meeting and exhibition in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 4, 1992. The meeting is specifically aimed at those either already in private practice or those considering making the move to private practice. This meeting will provide an unprecedented opportunity for practitioners to meet on an international level. However, colleagues working in the non-private sector are, of course, more than welcome to attend. The Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice is offering to sponsor one of its members to attend this conference, including flight and course fees, Further details about how to apply can be found in the next edition of In Touch or from regional representatives. The WCPT and the OCPPP have worked hard together to produce an exciting and relevant programme. Application forms and programme are available from Miss M O’Hare, WCPT, 4a Abbotts Place, London NW6 4NP (tel 071-328 5448). The OCPPP Appointed Agent for travel arrangements is Mrs Christine Steele, La Rosa Travel, 6 Rice Parade. Fairway, Petts Wood, Kent BR5 1EQ (tel 0689 827300).
-
Derby Back Care Programme Physiotherapy Services, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. 1991. €35. This ‘package’ is aimed at back school tutors and contains material which has been developed over the past 12 years a t Derbyshire Royal Infrmary. It states that the material is divided into four blocks, and templates for overhead projection acetates are included. It is presented in t h e form of a soft-covered, plastic ringbound A4 size booklet. The hack school concept is given a s education, ergonomics and exercises. The content gives comprehensive cover of most of the expected components of a back school from epidemiology and aetiology to load movement, exercise programmes and relaxation, although no further mention is made of ergonomics. Nor is the division into four blocks apparent. The diagrams are simply drawn, clear and photocopiable, and t h e written content, could be given verbatim to back pain sufferers. Herein lies the problem: as presented the package appears to be aimed a t patients, not tutors. It cculd be argued t h a t this package contains much of the content of well-run back care programmes offered anywhere in t h e UK, and i t is not clear how it is
distinguished from anybody else’s back care programme. From the tutors’ point of view there is no indication of why they should follow this programme as opposed t o any ot.her, w h a t its underlying philosophy is, what its success rate is and how it has been evaluated or any advice on how, when and where to r u n t h e programme or on how to measure outcomes. In addition, the source of the data given in t h e section on ‘the size of the problem’, ‘the causes of back pain’ and the ‘progress of back pain’ is not disclosed. Four references only are given in this booklet, the most recent of which is dated 1976. None refer to the source of the figures which are used to provide t h e impressive argument for back care. At current market values t h e high price for a comparatively cheap desk-top production such as this would suggest t h a t it is aimed at a very small exclusive specialist market. This contradicts t h e stated aim. In my view, this booklet is mis-aimed a t its stated target group and is priced too high. For these reasons I a m reluctant to recommend it.
Barbara Richardson MSc MCSP Di$l’P
Meet the Neighbours - And Learn Sammy Margo MCSP 1992 is the year of opportunities in Europe As a Chartered physiotherapist fortunate enough to have attended several physiotherapy-related courses in Europe, I encountered a number of ‘foreign’ physiotherapists with whom I exchanged clinical experiences, and I soon discovered t h a t this European species was not dissimilar to myself. This indeed marked a major turning point in my career. 1 was examining new, old and re-vamped modes of treatment which had been modified to varying degrees. These innovatory ideas were and are being fervently practised by our European colleagues, and positive clinical results are being obtained
I realised t h e inexhaustible wealth of knowledge held and used by our brother practitioners across the Channel, waiting to be s h a r d . I also gained gc.:ater insight into my own practices. reviewing them in R different light and renlising t h a t my OWII British insiilnrity had made me only moderately versatile. With the immense and rapid clinical
advances, it is undonbtrdly of vital importance to keep in line with change in all possible ways to ensure t h a t the physiotherapy profession is never allowed to stagnate. The breaking down of barriers in 1992 nieans a n inevitable forward movement, and we must not procrastinate. Let us move with the times and become involved with Europe now. We are all striving for the same goal. which is to improve the quality of our patients’ lives. There are a multitude of ways to achieve this, but how can we select t h e best? Hopefully, unification of Europe niay imply pooling of information a n d research, and achievement of the ultimate outcome.
I would strongly encoui age anyone to make a n effort to visit Europe and intentionally seek out native physiotherapists a s part of their professional development, for example, on a course, in a conference or a t a n exhibition. It will be a most revealing if not mind-blowing experience, even if it only means t h a t on your return, you may Cake a fresh look at your own ideas. See the last page of ‘Courses and Conferences’ for some suggcstions.-Editol:
Physiotherapy, March 1992, V O l 7 8 , no 3