Paediatrics

Summary

Contact Sharon Dyer, Business Manager/Virtual Administrator
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Web www.apcp.org.uk
Area of interest Children with any form of impairment where physiotherapy will/may help
CSP status recognised group
Subscription details Annual membership runs from January to December. Subscription is £40.00. Members have the option to pay by direct debit. Students and retired members may benefit from membership at half the normal cost.
Publications Quarterly journal
In addition recent publications include:
  • 2007 Information to guide good practise for physiotherapists working with children
  • Guidelines for Best Practice in the use of Botulinum Toxin
  • Interdisciplinary UK Guidelines for Children with DCD, in conjunction with NAPOT
  • Outcome Measures Resource Pack
See the APCP website for a comprehensive list.
Events The group has established regional networks which organise local courses, evening lectures and study days. Each region holds its own AGM.An annual national conference is organised by one of the regional committees. This may be held in conjunction with CSP CongressRepresentation as an exhibitor at professional Conferences including Kidz Up North Exhibition dedicated to children with disabilities, and the Primary Care Conference
Who can join? Full membership is open to annually subscribing members of the CSP.

Associate membership is open to those who, in the opinion of the APCP Executive Committee, are suitably qualified professionals working in paediatrics. They are nominated, and seconded by full members of the group. Overseas membership can be full or associate. Honorary members can be nominated from the regions to the National Committee.
What is expected of members? Attendance at the National Conference, courses and regional events is encouraged and members are expected to share what they have learnt with colleagues, at a local level, to promote good practice
How does the group support members' continuing professional development/lifelong learning? Information about the group, and its activities, can be found on the website. The general public and other professionals can access part of the site, and there is a members only section.

Regional network
12 regional representatives sit on the National Committee, which meets 4 times each year. Each region has a local committeeThere are also specialist sub-groups for physiotherapists working in neonatal units, critical care and neuromuscular specialities. These groups will provide peer support and review, and specialist education and training days

Peer support/mentorship
Members are supported through the local network and the journal. The group’s officers answer requests for help and advice. Their contact details, and those of regional representatives are included in the journal. The paediatric network of iCSP is moderated by APCP members and there are links to one of the most active networks for exchange of news and ideas amongst all paediatric physiotherapists. Links to the APCP website are also present www.interactivecsp.org.uk

Suggested reading list See the APCP website for a comprehensive list.
Conferences and study days Annual national conference
Regional study days
Formal courses offered/recommended MSc Physiotherapy (Double module) Queen Margaret University College
Introduction to CP
Advanced course in CP management
Advanced course in paediatric orthopaedics
Role of the therapist in neonatal care
Links with other groups/organisations The group has links with the British Association of Bobath Trained Therapists (BABTT), and Paediatric Physiotherapists in Management (PPIMs).

There has also been collaborative work with Hemihelp, BLISS, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, NAPOT, FSID, RCPCH, PhysioFirst, ACPOR
How does the group promote research and evaluation? Promoting research awareness
APCP has a research officer and a research page in its Journal. Members are encouraged to write up case studies for the Journal and present research findings and free papers at conferences. There is also a database of members who are involved in research.

Research/education awards
Financial support for research projects is available through provision of bursaries

Published evidence-based material
The following evidence based summaries were published in April 2001:
Pountney T (2001), Hip Subluxation and Dislocation in Children with Cerebral Palsy, APCP
Walker A and Coggings D (2001), Management of Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy, APCP
Guidelines for Best Practice in the use of Botulinum Toxin (2008)
APCP Guidelines for Children with DCD, (2008), APCP

Useful information Private practitioners' details can be found at www.physiofirst.org.uk.

Links with Skills for Health to develop a Competence Framework for Children and Young PeopleLinks with CSP and PPIMS (Paediatric Physiotherapists in Management) to develop a Competence Framework for Paediatric Physiotherapists nationally.
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