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Physiotherapy Task Force EAPC
We can now update you on the progress of the Task Force position paper
submission to the European Association of Palliative Care (EAPC) following the
Physiotherapy Pre-Meeting in Vienna, May 2009 which took place prior to the 11th
EAPC Congress. The Advisory board
has accepted the paper and we now have an official Task force with objectives
and project milestones in place. These can be viewed on:
http://www.eapcnet.org/projects/Physiotherapy.html
Addressing end-of-life issues as physiotherapists varies from country to
country, and is often both shaped by, and dependent on, training, resources,
culture and tradition. Broadening our views to embrace other approaches is not
only challenging but encourages reflection and re-evaluation. The biggest ‘buzz’ to emerge
from my time in Vienna, was the real enthusiasm we shared in the possibility of
coming together as practitioners throughout Europe and further afield to share
ideas, clinical expertise and best practice.
We have decided to start this relationship with our colleagues in Europe and
beyond by inviting delegates to a 2-day conference at
St. Christopher's Hospice on October
25/26 2010. The keynote lecture
will be delivered by Prof. Friedemann Nauck, (Germany) Chair of the Scientific
Committee of the last EAPC conference, who has been strongly supportive of
establishing the physiotherapy EAPC Task Force in Europe. Other speakers come
from the UK, Germany, Austria and Sweden, and include Dr. Adrian Tookman (on
rehabilitation) Dr. Nigel Sykes (neurological challenges) and Elisabeth
Gruenberger (ethical issues in dementia). A comprehensive choice of workshops
will include topics such as: goal setting, exercise and patient groups, dealing
with anger, breathlessness and anxiety, spirituality (the interface between
function and meaning) , treatment approaches in dementia, and networking
strategies with organisations to develop professionally. Workshop leaders
include Karen Robb, Gail Eva, Ylva Dahlin,(Sweden) and Peter Nieland (Germany)
An exciting aspect of the 2 day event is that we plan to include a special
physiotherapy student programme at reduced cost, running simultaneously with
part of the second day’s programme. This will be on site in their own dedicated
space with a video link to the main lecture theatre in order to access the same
speakers.
There will also be the unique experience of hearing patients’ stories of their
rehabilitation journey in palliative care, moderated by Nigel Hartley, and an
opportunity to tour the newly opened Anniversary Centre, a new social space,
created by extensive refurbishment of the ground floor. A fully equipped rehabilitation gym forms part of the new facilities
comprising clinic rooms, internet access area, café, bathing suite and
information area, all of which offer
a modern, up-to-date service delivery.
For further details of this innovative conference access the conference website
www.stchristophers.org.uk/physioeurope
Considerable interest is expected in this conference, so early booking is
advised.
Jenny Taylor, Senior Physiotherapist, St. Christopher's
Hospice
Email:
j.taylor@stchristophers.org.uk
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