Physiotherapy UK 2012 - Question time

While CSP headquarters’ staff can take a role in pushing physiotherapy’s value, members must take that evidence-based therapy message out at local level.

Responding to a question from Chris Littlewood of the University of East Anglia about evidence based practice, Natalie Beswetherick, the CSP’s director of policy and practice. put the ball firmly back in CSP members’ court.

‘Use our Physio works papers to take back to your managers,’ she told delegates, urging them to obtain the latest publications on lymphoedema and cancer survivorship. ‘We at Bedford Row can take a role, but you guys can take a role as well.’

She also referred to the ‘Physio findings’ pages in Frontline, which feature reports on peer-reviewed research and provide an evidence base for practice.

CSP chair Dr Helena Johnson echoed her call. ‘All members should be users of research,’ she said, highlighting the funding available for research through the CSP’s Charitable Trust.

The 13 Physio works briefing leaflets are available at: www.csp.org.uk/physiotherapyworks

A transformation of health services will be essential, chief executive Phil Gray told delegates at the event in Liverpool.

Responding to a query about the impact of the QIPP (Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention) transformation programme for the NHS, he called on members to take matters into their own hands.

‘If you don’t look around at where change is taking place, you will have it imposed on you,’ he warned. ‘And if you don’t embrace some of these changes, someone else will.’

Mr Gray said it had taken 10 years to get acceptance of independent prescribing. ‘But it is the opportunity to present major change in the future,’ he said. ‘You have to be willing to grab the opportunities.’

Lesley Mercer, director of employment relations and union services at the CSP, said staff must be involved in change.

‘Never, ever will it be done effectively if it is done to people. Their representative has to be involved. That’s how you get genuine patient-centred care,’ she said.

CSP chair Dr Helena Johnson encouraged members to take on board the four ‘Ps’ of marketing – product, place, price, promotion  – when trying to convince others of the importance of their services.