The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics

Education

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BAPO Teatime Tak – Communication between PO clinicians and Technicians: A qualitative Study

Details

Communication between prosthetic / orthotic clinicians and technicians plays a vital role in Prosthetics and Orthotics. Both parties have to exchange clinical and technical information which needs to be accurately understood to ensure the unique needs of patients are integrated into the design and fabrication process. Due to the limited literature investigating this topic, a qualitative study which aims to explore the impact of communication on PO devices and their relationship are required. 

Methods 

Semi-structured interviews were performed, targeting the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered prosthetists, orthotists and technicians who worked at four main Opcare centres in Midlands region and two in East Anglia region. Transcribed interviews were input into NVivo software and thematic analysis was employed to identify explore key themes arising from the qualitative data.  

Results 

Ten respondents took part in this study, seven clinicians and three technicians. Participants used a variety of communication methods; however, verbal communication was mostly preferred. Specification which was too long and ambiguous were identified as a main obstacle to effective written communication. The effectiveness of communication encounters challenges in the context of offsite manufacturing. The importance of device quality was emphasized as a significant factor affecting communication. The study also found that open and honest communication enriched team collaboration and respect among team members. 

Conclusions 

This qualitative study provides comprehensive and rich data which explores the impact of communication on PO device and relationships and offers recommendations for researchers and practitioners to enhance patient care and foster a friendly work environment through effective communication. 

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BAPO Teatime Talk – Making sense of Perthes’ Disease: What we know and what we’re still figuring out

Details

This session will provide a practical and research-informed overview of Perthes’ Disease. Drawing on his clinical practice and research over recent years, Adam will explore previous variations in management and how his recent NIHR-funded PhD has looked to optimise non-surgical management. Adam’s PhD focused on developing the NON-STOP app, a digital self-management intervention to support children with Perthes’ Disease and their families. His research involved engaging key stakeholders—including children, families, and clinicians—through qualitative interviews, a national consensus process, and iterative app design and testing. Adam will also explain how these findings, alongside strong engagement with the clinical community, have led to the UK undertaking the first ever prospective RCT in Perthes’ disease: the Op NON-STOP study. 

 

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BAPO Teatime talk – The Psychological Impact of Stroke

Details

Cognitive and emotional changes are common following stroke and can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life and recovery. The talk will provide an overview of the cognitive and emotional impact of stroke for stroke survivors and their families. It will also look to touch upon related areas of fatigue and practical implications such as return to work and driving. 

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BAPO Teatime Talk – The Prosthetics and Orthotics Profession in New Zealand

Details

The presentation will include an overview of opportunities for Prosthetists and Orthotists in New Zealand, focusing on various companies, contracts, and the district health board, as well as insights into ACC-related work. 

I will share a brief presentation detailing my professional development in New Zealand, highlighting my role as a Clinical Orthotist for Peke Waihanga and my position as an executive member of NZOPA. Following this, I will discuss the New Zealand Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (NZOPA), addressing both the successes and challenges we encounter in the field. 

Additionally, I will present relevant statistics regarding the workforce size, the patient population we serve, and key metrics such as referral and wait times. 

 

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BAPO Teatime Talk – Multidisciplinary Care in Rheumatology: The Role of the Podiatrist and Opportunities for Orthotist Integration

Details

In this talk, I will explore the role of the podiatrist within a Rheumatology multidisciplinary team (MDT), with a focus on collaborative care and how orthotists can contribute to and complement this approach. The session will cover:

  • Common rheumatological conditions encountered
  • A holistic approach to patient assessment
  • Podiatric treatments and interventions
  • Patient advice and education
  • The referral process within the MDT
  • Roles of other MDT members, including orthotists
  • Key clinical guidance and pathways we follow

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BAPO Teatime Talk – Advances in clinical trials involving prosthetics therapies

Details

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.