The TiMS Network Working Group

 Report from the TiMS Network Working Group Meeting at MS Trust Annual Conference November 13th 2011

The TiMS Group meeting at conference was open to all delegates and was very  well attended by several therapists

CLICK HERE for a full report of the meeting

Report from the TiMS Network Working Group Meeting 14th June 2011

The TiMS Working Group met at the King’s Fund in London

Masters level modular programme for MS therapist specialists

Michelle Ennis reported on progress on development of the programme. The aim would be to have three University accredited modules which would demonstrate that an individual is operating at specialist level - this would be part of the professional development for individuals taking on specialist posts. Michelle will be posting information about the programme in the TiMS Discussion Forum and looking for feedback over the coming months.

TiMS at the MS Trust Conference

Paul Van Assche who had spoken very motivationally at RiMS has agreed to attend. New participants in the TiMS Network Working Group may be sought to fill any vacancies.  For the 2012 conference it was agreed that Assistive Technology would be a good topic for the therapy specific morning session. This would include how to use some of the new technologies such as mobile phones as well as the more conventional aids such as voice technologies

 Publication: Therapists in MS … delivering the long-term solutions

 “Delivering the long-term solutions” is now out of date since the government has moved on from National Service Frameworks.  It was agreed that this would be reworked to align with the new NHS architecture and in the first instance Jane Nicklin and Helen Sandell will review the content and make proposals to the group.

 RIMS conference

The lack of attendance of UK delegates at RiMS was discussed. Time off work and finance are both issues for delegates. The MS Trust is to see if within their membership it might be possible to send some therapists.

 Government Changes

Jane Nicklin has written a summary of the latest government changes and gives comment on a recent presentation by Karen Middleton, Chief Health Professions Officer. 

 Click here for more information 

 

Website group

It was agreed that a further round of promotion of the website will be undertaken.

Education group

Progress is being made on planning for study days on the topic of “pain” in Bristol and Newcastle. A draft programme was agreed and speakers are being sought. "Vocational rehabilitation" is also being considered as a good topic for future specialist study days.

Research group

The topic for the new research project is now agreed as “To explore what interventions neurology specialists use to help people with MS to manage their sleep patterns”. A survey  will be distributed at the MS Trust conference as a first step. The outcome of the project will be a toolkit to help professionals work with people with MS to ensure they have good sleep hygiene.

Jenny Freeman talked about a specific request for volunteers for a mobility study and will post details within the Discussion Forum. 

 

Report from the TiMS Network Working Group meeting 16th February 2011

On 16th February the TiMS Working Group chaired by Helen Sandall (Independent Occupational Therapist) met at the King’s Fund in London.  After introductions of old and new members, Jane Nicklin (Advisor – Allied Health Professions) delivered a short presentation on key issues for 2011.  The face of the NHS is changing and these changes affect all Therapists.  The key message is that Therapists need to pro-actively sell their services as part of the Social Care Pathway and that Therapists cannot afford to wait until the make-up of the new NHS is mapped out.  Further information can be found on the NHS Website and Jane hopes to make available her slides on the website. 

 

Nicola Russell (MS Trust Director of Services) updated the group on her discussions with Liverpool University on establishing a recognised module at Masters Level.  A further meeting is planned for the 29th March when the content of the proposed course will be discussed.  If anyone is interested in contributing to this working party, please contact Brenda King as your input would be greatly appreciated. It was agreed that the module needs to demonstrate that it will be helpful in the work place.  Further information on this proposal will be made available later.

 

Lou Jarrett gave a talk about her recently completed PhD on ‘Looking at changing self – a narrative enquiry’.  It was a fascinating insight into guided reflective practice and personal growth through reflection using art and sculpture as part of the process.  She recommends that practitioners keep a journal but recognised how hard this is to do in practice but felt now she has mastered it is worth the effort.   Another tip was to never go home without thinking about three positive outcomes from your day – a wise tip.  Lou's report on her PhD can be found on this website in the "Presentations Library"    click here to view

Finally the three working groups split to move forward their respective projects.  The Research Group are embarking on a new project after the successful completion and publication of their research.  This research, entitled “The effect of core stability training on balance and mobility in ambulant individuals with Multiple Sclerosis” was accepted for publication in the professional journal “Multiple Sclerosis”. New research ideas were discussed and the group agreed on the topic of ‘Self Management of Sleep Disturbance’.  If anyone feels that they have any ideas or information on management approaches please get in touch.  The group are going to start the project by looking into the literature available through the MS Trust with a view to developing a research question by June.

  The Education Group are planning the next Study Days.  Having listened to the views at the Conference the group are looking at venues in the north and south of the country.  Suggested topics were Pain, The Dizzy Patient and Cognition and its global affects on people with MS and their families.  No firm decisions were made but keep an eye on the web site for dates, topics and venues.  The Group is potentially aiming for a September date for the next Study day although details and speakers are yet to be confirmed.

 

The Website Group looked at how the new TiMS web site is being used and how the group can encourage better use of the site, ownership by the members and how to promote its use so it becomes a really useful tool.  There are lots of ideas to be explored including:  emailing TiMS members to promote use of the site or advertising on the MS Trust site or at universities.  If members have any comments they would be welcome.  This is an ongoing project and will evolve over time.

 

The day finished with Nicola Russell stating that the Physiotherapy Exercise visuals have been improved and that these can be personalised and downloaded.  So please use them.