Paul
I am a Neuro-rehab physio working in the community. The large majority of
our neuro referrals are for patients with MS. I am fortunate as I also run
the neuro hydrotherapy sessions once a week and have access to a neurogym/
treatment area as and when I want it. These opportunities have, I think,
allowed us to offer a good neuro service (especially for MS patients who by
the nature of their illness are variable in their physical capabilities)
The service offered is that if the patient is able, they can come in for a
course of outpatient treatments (or a one off visit if that is applicable),
they can be offered a course of hydro if it is felt that that would be
beneficial or if they have had a relapse or are at an advanced stage of
their MS I can visit them at home and address their current issues (manual
handling problems, maintenance exercises, walking aids etc).
I think this flexibility allows patient responsibility for their condition
and their rehab. After their first course of physio I tell them to continue
whatever we have decided as their jointly set program and then to contact me
if they have any problems. If I have not heard from them, I review them by
telephone after six months. We have found that patients find this very
reassuring and we are rarely contacted inappropriately. It also allows us to
see a patient having an exacerbation immediately and help them to manage it
as well as possible.
We have no references that this is ideal,, but have responded to patients
requests and comments about what they have found most and least beneficial.
Perhaps it is about time we audited best practice from a patient point of
view. The only problem is that our service is hugely oversubscribed and we
are trying to manage a huge waiting list-hence I have no time to do this!!
I would also be very interested in the literature that you requested Paul. I
firmly believe that physio has a great deal to offer MS patients.
Incidently there is an MS centre in our area that employs two
physiotherapists and they are very busy running an outpatient service for
the clients of the centre. I can give you information about this charity run
centre if you are interested.
Claire Madsen
-----Original Message-----
From: CARRAGHER PM <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 24 March 1999 13:06
Subject: ?outpatient service for ms patients?
>I am a 2nd year student and was wondering if
>anyone with information regarding the viability
>of an outpatient service in the treatment of ms
>patients or any relevant literature could contact
>me.
>
>I would also appreciate any details of studies
>showing the effectiveness of physiotherapy in the
>treatment of these patients.
>
>Paul Carragher
>Physiotherapy student
>University of Ulster.
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