Allied Health Professionals
Hi, I'm Lynsey - Occupational Therapist and the AHP lead for The Society for Acute Medicine (SAM)!
I wanted to share my reflections after #SAMBrighton!
I’d heard great things from colleagues about SAM, although I was initially unsure if there would be relatable content specifically for AHPs but I was wrong. I learned quickly that there is a seat at the table for AHPs and our voice is very valued.
Having attended the SAM conference in Brighton a few days ago (which is also my first) I had such a positive experience that I want to get my thoughts down to share. The Society for Acute Medicine is a multidisciplinary organisation and I certainly felt the love. I came away re-energised after what has been one of the most challenging years for me when it comes to my work life and I really hope to spread some of that excitement and energy to you.
On the first morning, when SAM president, Nick Murch, made an opening statement, I knew that I had found a community. Nick acknowledged our job is a hard one, we are constantly trying to balance the needs of our patients with the needs of an organisation under extreme pressure in addition to fulfilling our educator and leadership roles; it’s not easy. ‘Look after each other’ were words I heard often and which we all appreciated.
The opening plenary was moving and got everyone in the spirit for the next 2 days. The Education session was incredibly valuable - Dr Wijewarda brought us on her journey of Transforming the AMU and the essential contribution that the AHP skill set brings. Dr Cox gave practical and effective tips for teaching in a busy AMU environment and generally trying to complete an ever-expanding list of things to do. Dr Lovell talked through feedback models, how and where to deliver effective feedback and the importance of language. Education and feedback resonated deeply with me- as in my role this year I feel like I just can’t do it all as well as I would like to: these speakers gave actual helpful advice.
The acute oncology session reinforced early care planning but also highlighted for those on their cancer journey, an unplanned admission to acute medicine often means the trajectory and destination is changing. As AHPs we are expertly placed to support these transitions. And in the ‘Frontline Findings session’ Physiotherapist Ciara Harris takes us through Risk and Decision discharge tools to support AHPs at the front door. Dr Griffiths gave a wonderfully human chat and shared insights from her own personal experience about imposter syndrome during the leadership session.
These are just my highlights (I have struggled to keep it brief). You can access the full list of presentations by registering as a virtual delegate www.SAMBrighton.org .
In the meantime, thank you for taking the time to read this and I can be contacted for any queries using the form below.
Membership
It can be really hard to find time to foster your own progression and development and joining SAM as an AHP member has many benefits.
Stay on top of the most cutting-edge acute medical research, discuss challenges and triumphs with colleagues, and influence the future of this exciting young speciality.
The role of the Allied Health Professional in Acute Medicine
Although AHPs may represent a small proportion of members at the Society for Acute Medicine, they are integral to the multi-disciplinary team on the acute medical units (AMU). They are vital in the decision making process for patients on an acute medicine pathway, and ensure the provision of a holistic and high quality care.
By seeing acute medicine as a distinct speciality, it allows AHPs to define a clear role for themselves within AMUs. It also allows to recognise the complex clinical reasoning skills and fast decision making required that is often not utilised to the same extent within other clinical fields. By having a higher perception of the role of AHPs in acute medicine, it will facilitate greater involvement of AHPs in strategies to develop the field and establish their role within forums such as SAM.
AHPs are involved in many clinical areas of the hospital, building links for the sharing of skills and procedures. This positively impacts on patients flow and reduces the need to move patients through the system, providing a continuity of care at all stages and levels.[1]Patients are referred to AHPs on a need based and dependent on the outcome of their individual assessment.
AHP’s have a key role in acute medicine directly influencing the quality of care a patient receives and the decisions made around all aspects of an individual’s admission, treatment and discharge from an acute medical setting. The skills required vary amongst the range of professions that are represented within the team but these require some core themes:
- Highly developed clinical reasoning
- Rapid but effective decision making
- Patient focused goal setting
Allied Health professions working in Acute Medicine
Dieticians: intervene most commonly when patients suffers from nutritional or feeding problems.
Occupational Therapists: intervene most commonly with patients who may benefit from intervention to promote and support their independence, such as falls or difficulties managing their activities of daily living. This most commonly affects older people.
Physiotherapists: may be involved with patients suffering from conditions which have an impact on their physical function. This may vary from respiratory complaints, to acute back pain or falls and fractures.
Radiographers: provide radiography diagnostics to enable patients to get timely and accurate diagnoses of conditions.
Speech and language therapists: intervenes most commonly with speech or swallow problems. These may be from an acute injury such as stroke or degenerative conditions such as dementia or multiple sclerosis.
Aims
Grow SAM’s membership among Allied Health Professionals
Improve participation within the Society for Acute Medicine
Increase the relevancy of content at conferences to meet the CPD desires of AHPs.
Current work in progress
Assessing what AHPs would want from conferences and develop networks around the country.
Available resources
Physiotherapy and occupational Therapy in the Acute Medical Unit Guidance for Practice, 2015 (awaiting review)
Occupational Therapy: Best Practice Guidelines for Acute Medical Services by Fraser S Sen. OT Liberton Hospital, Edinburgh; Mearns N. Sen. OT Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh; Millar A. Sen. OT Western General Hospital Edinburgh; Murray F. Sen. OT Borders General Hospital; Wardlaw F. Sen. OT Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (also available from Document Library)
[1] AHP and HCS Advisory Group June 2012 The Role of Healthcare Professionals within critical care services NHS Modernisation Agency.