MS TRUST CONFERENCE 2009: Therapists in MS 2009 meeting update

The Therapists in MS (TiMS) Group held their annual meeting at the MS Trust conference in Kenilworth on Sunday November 8th. Approximately 60 therapists from across the UK were in attendance.

The Group has been working in four project areas over the last year. The following is a summary of the reports presented including summaries of achievements and visions of work to be undertaken in the next year.

1. RESEARCH:

The effectiveness of core stability in improving balance and mobility in people with Multiple Sclerosis: a multi-centre single case study design.

  • The clinical phase of the project has now been undertaken with five centres involved and 8 patients completing the 16 week programme.
  • The anonymised data has been sent to Jenny Freeman the lead researcher for analysis.
  • A draft publication is in preparation led by Margaret Gear and Annette Pauli.
  • A poster has been prepared by Jenny Thain for the MS Trust annual conference.
  • The results are expected early in the New Year and it is hoped that they will be presented at a conference and then published in a peer reviewed publication.

2. EDUCATION:

Publication

Led by Wendy Hendrie and in conjunction with the MS Trust the education sub group of TiMS has produced and published: 'Are you sitting comfortably… A self-help guide to good posture in sitting.'

The book provides information and guidance for the individual or their carer / family about the importance of good posture and how to maintain good posture.

Hard copy format copies can be ordered, or downloaded in .pdf format, from the MS Trust. Visit the MS Trust Website

Study days

Two study days are planned for 2010 on Spasticity and Posture management:

  • March 24th Beardmore Hotel Glasgow Scotland
  • May 18th London; Venue to be confirmed

3. AUDIT: :

The TiMS audit tool is now live on the TiMS website enabling therapists to monitor their service against the 11 Quality Requirements of the National service Framework for Long-term conditions. The tool allows individuals to compare their service against national and regional averages and also to implement changes to the service and monitor the impact of the changes.

To use the audit tool, click here:- TiMS AUDIT TOOL

It should be noted that the tool is only suitable for people with an active caseload and that the information contained and results demonstrated are strictly anonymous.

4. TiMS WEBSITE:

The TiMS Group is embarking on a restructure of their website which it is hoped will be undertaken during the next year. This revision will include new visual elements and new sections.