Mint Practice is closing on 30th June 2022. I would like to thank you for your support over 7 years. There have been two versions of the Mint folder and two series of leaflets. It’s been a lot of work and given many interesting experiences but it is now time to pursue other interests. If you would like to purchase one of the three remaining Mint folders or any leaflets – some low in stock, there will be a 20% discount until the end of June.
Table of Contents Osteopathic Practice Standards – A1 A1. You must listen to patients and respect their individuality, concerns and preferences. You must be polite and considerate with patients, and treat them with dignity and courtesy. 1. Poor communication is at the root of most patient complaints. Effective communication is a two-way exchange, which involves not just talking but also listening with care. 2. You should be alert to patients’ unspoken signals; for example, when a patient’s body language or tone of voice indicates that they may be uneasy, experiencing Continue Reading »
A lot of progress has taken place in understanding the role better in terms of it being a non-treating role. Osteopaths are recognised to have good clinical skills. However, the gap that remains for many is understanding the role in context. As an FCP you have the option of requesting imaging and blood tests, alongside referring into community or secondary care. It is important to have an understanding of when and how these tests might be utilised. Much of this information is available from NICE guidelines and clinical knowledge summaries. Continue Reading »
I recently had some feedback from my trust about osteopaths interviewing for FCP jobs. Osteopaths are doing well at getting through to interview. Previously many osteopaths used to talk about treating patients but that has greatly improved now so there is better understanding of the role. It also evident that osteopaths are clinically very good. The area for improvement now is to understand more about the MSK pathways and the role of FCP within those pathways. As an FCP you have many options open to you in the management of Continue Reading »
Yes. The First Contact Practitioner role is a huge opportunity for MSK osteopaths to join Primary Care on a clear developmental career pathway. But… At the moment GPs cannot get funding for First Contact osteopaths but can receive 100% funding for physiotherapists. A huge amount of work has been going on to attain funding status and we are hopeful that will change ready for April. But, there’s good news… Osteopaths can be included in contracted FCP services as part of a MSK team. Many teams include osteopaths in their job Continue Reading »
The Primary Care Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine Society recently ran an excellent online conference. The presentations are like gold for informing your clinical decision making. This is one of the most helpful conferences for immediate clinical application that I have been to in a long time. If you are working as an FCP or interested in that area of work these are a must but I would recommend them to any practitioner. You need to be a member to watch the Conference presentations but it is just £50 per year Continue Reading »
Did you hear about the FCP roadmap that was launched a couple of weeks ago? What is it? It’s a document that shows the competencies required to work as an FCP and the pathway to demonstrate these competences. The document also includes the pathway from FCP to Advanced Practice which enables you to practice as a band 8a FCP. The good news It’s a fantastic document and offers to osteopaths and other MSK therapists a clear career pathway. It will enable standardisation of quality of practice across these roles. There Continue Reading »
So, we are in lockdown again and whilst osteopaths can keep their clinics open it is likely there will be a few extra gaps in the diary. I want to encourage you to take the opportunity to get the governance foundations of your clinic in mint condition ready for when you are busy again. It will be great to end 2020 knowing your clinic is all up to date. Here’s a list of 6 areas to work on with 3 bonuses if you are keen: Consent Review your consent procedures. Continue Reading »
Today is world suicide prevention day. In healthcare I think we have an important role to play in suicide prevention. Mental health is often linked to physical symptoms and people experiencing high levels of pain can reach the point of despair. I’ve done a few courses on mental health and suicide prevention and this one was one of the best with some really good video case examples. There is another good free course available from the Zero Suicide Alliance, a collaboration of NHS trusts, charities and businesses and individuals committed Continue Reading »
Public Health England has clear advice which is regularly updated: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england There is advice for every eventuality if you have travelled to a country with Covid-19 cases or if you come into contact with someone. I’m sure I won’t be telling you anything new but hopefully drawing together some key information to help us in clinic. We have a responsibility to take our part in trying to limit the spread of the virus and supporting the Public Health England advice. Practice good hand hygiene Recognise symptoms Symptoms of Covid-19 are: Continue Reading »
