Joined-up thinking

If you work with clients whose physical disabilities affect their postural ability and movement, you will know about their need for postural support and wheeled mobility equipment, often individually prescribed. If you work in a multidisciplinary team where you have ready access to assistive and postural support equipment, you know how lucky you are. You can borrow a piece of equipment to try it out, or you’re able to get seating or lying supports made or modified. And, of equal importance, is taking part in the collaboration between disciplines in order to get the most effective result. This collaboration develops knowledge and practice for all involved, leading to better results for our clients.   

 

Early in my career, I worked at two centres where this sort of collaboration was possible. Later, when I moved to the community, I learned what it was like for many physiotherapists who work in situations where getting something fundamental to their clients’ posture and mobility needs is not so readily accessible. It was then that I decided to join the Posture and Mobility Group (PMG). Attending one of their annual conferences I found a wide mix of professions – rehabilitation engineers, clinical scientists, occupational therapists, doctors and fellow physiotherapists – in addition to companies that manufacture and distribute posture and mobility equipment. Although many of PMG’s members work in NHS-commissioned wheelchair services, a growing number now work in the community as well as the charitable and private sectors, or independently as case managers.

 

I urge CSP members in this field to join PMG. Membership is free of charge.

 

The website www.pmguk.co.uk provides access to PMG’s online journal, videos from previous conferences (very useful for continuing professional development), as well as details of training events, jobs, latest news and other relevant publications. Bursaries to attend the annual conference and other PMG training events are also available to members, as are research grants.