ACPOPC Scotland Autumn Study Day - 5^th/6^th November 2009

Over 25 delegates made the trip to St. Columba's Hospice in Edinburgh for two half days of informative presentations and discussions at an excellent venue.

Dr Fiona Walker from Victoria Hospice in Kirkcaldy started the proceedings with an overview of brain tumours. Diz Hackman, clinical specialist physiotherapist from the Royal Marsden, London, followed, giving an account of her qualitative study investigating patients with 1deg brain tumours perceptions of rehabilitation, completed as part of her masters study. This highlighted the value of physiotherapist input.  The final part of the afternoon focused on pain management - initially from St.Columba's consultant Dr. Duncan Brown reviewing the different forms of complex cancer pain and their characteristics, followed by a discussion of pharmaceutical management/intervention options. Dr Lesley Colvin from the University of Edinburgh followed this with a presentation on spinal analgesia in the context of difficult to manage cancer pain. I found these two sessions particularly useful as a relative newcomer to palliative care - learning a lot and taking away a few thoughts/ideas to discuss with the Doctors I work with.

The second day started with a focus on non-malignant conditions. Nurse Specialist Suzanne Bell discussed advanced heart failure - clarifying many points and comparing/contrasting with cancer care. This highlighted differences in disease trajectory along with the need for a good multi-disciplinary approach to palliative management, including control of symptoms and optimising quality of life.  MND was the next topic with Bob Bestow of MND Scotland providing an overview of the condition, the role of the physio and the services of MND Scotland. Returning to malignant conditions, Jane Coskun, a nurse from the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, presented the NHS Lothian pathway for malignant spinal cord compression - focussing on early detection to optimise prognostic outcome, with physios being well placed to spot the symptoms.

The study day was concluded with an open discussion forum on many of the topics presented, which provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, views and experiences.

Many thanks to all involved in this well organised study day which demonstrated the value of being an ACPOPC member. I look forward to making the trip north again next year.

Matthew Bontoft

Senior Physiotherapist

St. Barnabas Hospice, Lincoln