RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A report on physiotherapy services for children and young people
JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
JO BMJ Support Palliat Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 229
OP 229
DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2011-000105.74
VO 1
IS 2
A1 Jo Davies
A1 Michael Miller
YR 2011
UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/1/2/229.2.abstract
AB Introduction There is a recognised difference in the centralised children's services compared with the more localised adult services for those with neuromuscular diseases. At the young people's unit at Martin House transition is a difficult time with uncertainties about the availability and working practices of physiotherapy services for adults. With funding from the DH as part of the £30million the physiotherapy services in Yorkshire and Humber were reviewed. Method Contacts were made from a number of sources, starting with known children's services and an email questionnaire was sent. There was a small circulation of questions to users of the service. Results There was excellent completion circulated after contact had been established by the researcher. ▶ The paediatric service in the region is well coordinated with close links with respective neuromuscular teams.▶ The challenge of identifying the different adult services highlighted the possible difficulties faced by people with a neuromuscular condition.▶ There is variety in the provision and accessibility of adult services offered around the region.▶ There is a limited review/monitoring service in place for adults with only 42% of teams offering this.▶ 54% of adult teams are unable to provide on-going physiotherapy. They are usually goal- orientated and based on self-management which isn't always appropriate in a progressive deteriorating condition.▶ The lack of access to specialist physiotherapy in adult services is a problem for both community and hospice physiotherapists and patients.▶ Provision of Hydrotherapy is an on-going issue. Recommendations▶ Consideration of a review/monitoring service for adults is needed.▶ Consideration of a transition service is needed.▶ There is a need to provide more access to specialist neuromuscular physiotherapists in adult services.▶ A maintained and accessible database of adult services for these patients should be made available to assist referrers.