The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists

News

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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.

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#TeaTimeTalk: BAPO Leadership Programme (Inspiring our Future Leaders)

July 11th 6pm – ZOOM

During this Tea Time Talk we will be sharing information regarding the new BAPO Leadership Programme 2022.
BAPO have been successful in obtaining an educational grant from Health Educational England (HEE). The intention of this funding is to implement 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.
It is BAPO’s aim to develop a programme which fulfils the delegates’ leadership expectations from both an operational and strategic perspective

Register Here

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BAPO’s succession planning

Peter Iliff, Chair: “Succession planning is essential for any organisation and as such is something that has been at the forefront of my thoughts as I move into the second year of my tenure as Chair of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO).

“I am delighted to share the news Dr Nicky Eddison will become BAPO’s new vice chair/chair elect with immediate effect. This appointment was fully supported by our Executive Committee.

“I am delighted that Nicky has been appointed to this new role. I will aim to continue for a further two years as Chair and during this period will support Nicky to allow for a smooth transfer and handover in 2024. During that period, I look forward to focussing on the delivery of our new strategic plan and the objectives included within it, so that Nicky will be able to lead and own the process of developing the associations next strategic plan.”

Dr Nicky Eddison, Vice Chair/Chair Elect: “I am delighted to take the position of vice chair/chair elect. It is an honour and a privilege to be able to lead the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO).

“I am grateful to BAPO for the opportunity and to Peter and my colleagues on the Executive Committee for their support. I look forward to working closely with Peter over the next two years to ensure I am fully equipped to continue taking the Association forward.”

Nicky has worked as the orthotics service manager at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust for 15 years. Starting her career with the Trust as a junior orthotist and progressing to become the first Consultant Orthotist in the NHS in 2021. Nicky is also an Associate Professor at Staffordshire University with a portfolio of peer reviewed publications and has presented her research at conferences across the world. Nicky is currently the AHP Lead Researcher at her Trust. Nicky has extensive experience of working with BAPO having previously chaired the Education Committee and Professional Affairs Committee. She is also a member of the Research Committee and the Operations Committee as well as serving as a member of the Executive committee on two separate occasions.

For more information about BAPO or to express an interest in being part of a committee please email enquiries@bapo.com.

Dr Nicky Eddison

Vice Chair / Chair Elect