Allied Health Professionals

Art Therapy : Art Therapy - Helps Alzheimer's

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:53:43 +0000

Author: nurserve
Subject: Art Therapy - Helps Alzheimer's
Posted: 15 Aug 2008 at 5:53pm

BBC Article from 1999 about Art Therapy.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/349579.stm

Please post your news links on the forum.

Occupational Health Therapist : Occupational Therapy - LINKS

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:50:02 +0000

Author: nurserve
Subject: Occupational Therapy - LINKS
Posted: 28 Jul 2008 at 8:50pm

College of Occupational Therapists (UK) Redesigned in 2003 with BJOT now online. Includes members only area, message boards and downloadable documents.

British Association of Hand Therapists Ltd.

ENOTHE : European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education

The Health Professions Council replaces the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine as the regulatory body for OT in the UK

OTseeker — afree database of systematic reviews and randomised controlled trialsrelevant to occupational therapy and evidence-based practice.

UNISON The union for occupational therapists in the UK. Full membership of Unisonis included in BAOT membership.

National Electronic Library for Healthincludes a dedicated OT portal with useful links to a variety of resources includingevidence based medicine, anatomy, medical textbooks and much more.

American Occupational Therapy Foundation Includes clinical factsheets and information on scholarships, research and the Occupational Therapy Journal of Research.

Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation Includes case studies, research reviews and critical reviews.

Occupational Opportunites for Refugees & Asylum Seekers (OOFRAS)One-stop-shop for OTs responding to the occupational needs of refugees.Information, inspiration, community, opportunities to participate andmore.

OT Works Canadiansite run by CAOT mainly for non-OTs, but with some articles giving an overviewof the profession and careers information.

OT Now New site withoriginal content including case studies, etc.

AMPS UK (www.amps-uk.com) no longer handles business for AMPS in the UK. See instead AMPS international, below.

AMPS The main AMPS site, including alistserv, FAQ, software and references.

AMPS in SwedenIncludes only a short introduction in English.

metaot.com: Blog of an OT student with special interest in technology.

del.icio.us/metaot: A useful collection of links organised by keyword.

Occupational Therapy: Tanya's List

OT in SchoolsPersonal web site with information and links related to OT in schools.

Occupational Therapy: Focus on Function

MOHO clearing house"The purpose of the Clearinghouse is to maintain a library of publishedand unpublished materials and to disseminate information related to the Model ofHuman Occupation" Includes link to MOHO listserv.

Hand Rehab Onlinewith case studies and message board (USA)

International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy includes message board.

The Bobath Centrea non-profit making organisation that specialises in the treatment of cerebralpalsy and acquired neurological conditions.

Advance for Occupational Therapy Practitioners US biweekly news magazine for OccupationalTherapists

Allen's Cognitive Levels Assessments Assessment tools to provide aninitial estimate of cognitive function

Sensory Integration International Features training, therapists listing and other resources on Sensory Integration.

Occupational Therapists in Independent Practice (UK)

Occupational Therapy and Smoking Prevention and Cessation New York University.Comprehensive and detailed description of an Occupational Therapy smokingcessation programme.

OT Student

Open Directory Project More links.

Occupational Therapy & Disability Web Site Links from the St. Loyes Schoolof Occupational Therapy

www.univsource.com/ot.htm: A listing of US OT educational programmes.

Social Services & Health Occupational Therapists Background information on a jointworking project in Nottinghamshire.

Occupational Health Therapist : Occupational Health Therapist - Job Role

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:45:40 +0000

Author: nurserve
Subject: Occupational Health Therapist - Job Role
Posted: 28 Jul 2008 at 8:45pm

Occupational Health Therapist

Occupational therapy is the treatment and assessment of physical and psychiatric conditions. This information is then used in a specific and purposeful direction to prevent disability and promote independent function in both social and work settings.

Occupational therapists work in hospital and the community . The job role may involve visits to clients and their carers at home to monitor their advancement. When a course of therapy is completed, the therapist will analyse how effective it has been and use these result to adapt future treatment.

Occupational therapists work placments?

Occupational therapists work with children through to the Elderly.

Occupational Health Covers these environments:

care management
physical rehabilitation
mental health
learning disabilities
primary care
paediatrics
environmental adaptation
equipment for daily living
research posts

In a wide range of locations:

community centres
education establishments
GP practices / primary care
hospitals
housing associations
clients homes
industrial and commercial organisations
prisons
residential and nursing homes
social services and council departments
schools
charities and voluntary agencies

Occupational Therapists work with people of all ages to help them overcome the effects of disability caused by physical or psychological illness, ageing or as a result of an accident. The profession offers enormous opportunities for career development and an endless variety of work situations.

Being a registered occupational therapist takes patience, ingenuity, determination, common sense, a sound knowledge base and enthusiasm. Most of all, it requires an interest in working closely with people to enable them to lead full and satisfying lives as independently as possible.

Qualifications:

You need five GCSE passes and at least two, (usually three) A levels. Ascience subject at A’ level is sometimes required for certain institutions and courses. Training normally consists of a three year course leading to a BSc in occupational therapy.

Website: www.cot.org.uk

Orthopics : Orthoptist Job Role

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:32:26 +0000

Author: nurserve
Subject: Orthoptist Job Role
Posted: 28 Jul 2008 at 8:32pm

Roles and Responsibilities of an Orthoptist

Orthoptists areeye specialists looking to investigate, diagnose and treat defects of binocular vision and abnormalities of eye, its physiology and mechanics. The work involves treating patients of all ages from small children to the elderly.

The job

Orthoptists form part of the eye care team and generally work closely together with vision scientists such as ophthalmologists and optometrists

The professional role of the orthoptist include examining patients with eye problems especially those related to ocular motility, binocular vision, amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (squint). Orthoptists diagnose these problems and determine appropriate management. Some perform vision screening of children in schools and community health centres.

As orthoptists form part of a multidisciplinary team they are also involved in the management of conditions such as:

neurological disorders
glaucoma
cataract
stroke
retinal disease

Being an orthoptist requires an interest in working with people and good communication skills. After comprehensive education that involves a wide range of disciplines and techniques you will enter a highly structure and interesting profession.

Orthoptists work locations?

The majority of orthoptists are employed within the NHS but orthoptists have the choice to work in a variety of settings including:

universities
Specialist eye hospitals
hospital eye departments
health centre and clinics
special schools
charities
private clinics

Orthoptic plus points

no course tuition fees are payable. They are paid for by the Department of Health (provided UK and EU citizen)
excellent graduate employment rate
flexible working – part-time, full-time and job share
good prospects for orthoptists returning to work

Career prospects

The profession offers enormous opportunities for career development and of endless variety such as:

progress to senior, head and consultant orthoptist
teach undergraduate students on clinical placement
management post
postgraduate research
clinical research
lecturing at university

Training requirements This is a three-year full-time degree course, available at Liverpool and Sheffield universities. Each year consists of both theory and clinical experience. Following completion of the course you are eligible to apply for the registration necessary to work as an orthoptist in the NHS. Click here for details of degree programmes.

Websites and links :

www.britishorthopticsociety.co.uk
http://www.liv.ac.uk/orthoptics/
http://www.shef.ac.uk/medicine/orthoptics

Operating Department Practioner : ODP Job Role

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:13:18 +0000

Author: nurserve
Subject: ODP Job Role
Posted: 28 Jul 2008 at 8:13pm

An Operating Department Practitioner is responsible for the assessment, implementation
and evaluation of peri-operative care programmes.

Roles vary but clinically, he/she may be required to work as a anaesthetic assistant, scrubbed surgical assistant, circulating assistant or recovery room practitioner.

He/she may also take responsibility for the work of a team of theatre staff for a span of duty or operating list.

Anaesthetic assistants work in supporting the anaesthetists and multi-skilling is usually encouraged for those wishing to broaden their range of clinical skills.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. To assist theatre staff.
2. To ensure high standards of practice through example.
3. To be able to demonstrate a speciality knowledge within a defined clinical area's.
4. To participate in focused patient care.
5. To maintain and improve personal knowledge of current trends and developments
within operating theatre practice.
6. To assist in liaison and communication with hospital department and medical
staff.
7. To maintain accurate records of patient care.
8. To ensure all Health & Safety measures are followed according to local policies.
9. To report all incidents, accidents and complaints to Theatre Manager or acting
deputy or senior theatre nurse.
10. To participate in the induction of new theatre staff.
11. To undertake other duties within the scope of the post as agreed with senior staff
or departmental manager.
12. Ensuring correct labelling and dispatching of pathology specimens from theatre to
other sites.
16. To understand and adhere to policies relating to the security and control of
drugs as laid down by the employing organisation.

LIAISON AND COMMUNICATION
1. Co-operation with medical, receptionist and theatre staff in appropriate
circumstances in calling patients to the operating department according to the
standard Policy and procedures,
2. Report to the theatre manager as requested.
3. Ensuring the maintenance of good relationships and teamwork between other
disciplines and staff.
4. Participating in regular meetings of the operating department team
5. Co-ordinating, in appropriate circumstances, the arrival and departure of patients
and staff from other departments such as X-ray or laboratory.
6. Developing and discussing with the theatre manager new ideas and methods of
procedure when appropriate.

THEATRE SAFETY
1. Ensuring the implementation of safety measures in relation to swab, instrument and needle counts, the storage and administration ofblood and drugs; ionising radiation; static electricity/explosion hazards; fire and departmental cleaning are adhered to.

2. Checking, receiving and relaying to the theatre manager, reports concerning the
state of the following within the department :
• Heating
• Lighting
• Ventilation
• Fabric Maintenance
• Routine Maintenance
• The integrity of piped gas supply

3. Ensuring the disposal of contaminated matter in accordance with standard policy procedures and governing body requirements.

Dietetic Assistant : Job Role

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:00:35 +0000

Author: nurserve
Subject: Job Role
Posted: 27 Jul 2008 at 1:00pm

Assistant dietitian or dietetic assistant

Assistant dietitians work with the direction of registered dietitians.

Job role

In hospitals they ensure that patients are well nourished and on theright diet for their condition. They might advise those on specialdiets about choosing suitable meals from the hospital menu, forexample, and liase with nurses about patients' weight and food intake.

In the community they might help educate the local population abouthealthy eating. They could be working with patients on strict foodregimes, such as those with kidney disease, food allergies, eatingdisorders, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer or digestive problems.

Entry requirements

For entry into a role such as an assistant dietitian or dieteticassistant, employers look for motivation and enthusiasm and personalqualities such as a mature and caring attitude, rather than academicqualifications.

A good general education with numeracy and literacy is needed, as mostroles involve some sort of paperwork and academic qualifications suchas GCSEs or an NVQ in a relevant subject, are an advantage.

Evidence of work experience or voluntary work in a related area can be very beneficial.

Many universities now offer training and intial study can be used for entry on to a full degree course.

Dietician : Job Role

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:57:01 +0000

Author: nurserve
Subject: Job Role
Posted: 27 Jul 2008 at 12:57pm

Dietitian

This page introduces the role of dietitian, explains the differencebetween dietitians and nutritionists, and includes information on a Dieticians Role and Responsibilities

Dietetics is the science of nutrition and helps people make informed and practical choices about food and their own lifestyle, in terms of both health, disease prevention and treatment.

A dietitian will have trained in both hospital and community settings as part of their course. Most dietitians are employed in the NHS, but may also work in the food industry, education, research and on a freelance basis. It is necessary to have a recognised degree, MSc or post graduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics to work as a dietitian.

Nutrition is the study of nutrients in food, how nutrients are used by the body, and the relationship between diet, health and disease. Most of the major food manufacturers and retailers employ nutritionists and food scientists but opportunities also arise in research, education and journalism. There are a variety of careers within the field of food science and technology.

The job role:

Registered dietitians translate the science of nutrition into everyday information about food and its affects.

Dieticians undertake the practical application of nutrition with both individuals and population groups to promote the well being of individuals and communities to prevent nutrition related problems. They are also involved in the diagnoses and dietary treatment of disease.

Dietitians work with people who have special dietary needs, inform the general public about nutrition, give unbiased advice, evaluate and improve treatments and educate clients, doctors, nurses, health professionals and community groups.

Dietitians can work in a variety of areas, many of these are in the NHSwithin hospitals or in the community as dietitians, health educators oras managers. Both hospital and community dietitians educate people whoneed special diets as part of their medical treatment, for examplepatients with/in:

kidney disease
food allergies
eating disorders
diabetes
HIV/AIDS
oncology
gastroenterology

There are also opportunities for dietitians to work outside of the NHS in a variety of different areas such as:

food industry
education
research
business
charities
media
freelance work

Dietitians have special skills in translating scientific and medicaldecisions related to food and health to inform the general public. Theyalso play an important role in health promotion.

A registered dietitian needs to have an interest in science, people andfood, be able to communicate with people from all areas of thecommunity, an ability to explain complex things simply, a positive andmotivating attitude and an understanding, non-discriminatory approachas well as patience and a sense of humour.

Entry requirements:

To work as a dietitian in the NHS you must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). This means first obtaining either a BSc in dietetics or a postgraduate qualification, if your first degree is in an appropriate subject. Courses must be approved by the HPC. For the degree course, you will need five GCSEs, or the equivalent, including maths and English, and at least two relevant A levels or equivalents. At least one science is usually required. Alternative qualifications, such as an approved access course may be acceptable as an alternative to A’ levels. It is essential to check the entry requirements of the university/universities to which you wish to apply.

Training Courses:

The training - both the four yearuniversity degree course and the two year postgraduate course - involvetheory and practice. Click here for details of degree programmes.

Drama Therapist : Job Description

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:34:56 +0000

Author: nurserve
Subject: Job Description
Posted: 27 Jul 2008 at 12:34pm

Drama Therapist - Job Description

This page introduces the career of drama therapist, including information on entry requirements and training programmes.

Working as a drama therapist

Drama therapymakes use of roleplay, voice work, myth, ritual and storytelling, also movement andobjects can be used expressively without words.

Dramatherapy canhelp increase clients self awareness, but one of the specific uses canbe to offer a creative way for an individual or group to explore andsolve personal and social problems.

The British Association forDramatherapists (BADTH) states " dramatherapy has as its main focus theintentional use of healing aspects of drama and theatre as thetherapeutic process. It is a method of working and playing that usesaction methods to facilitate creativity, imagination, learning, insightand growth".

The therapist encourages self-awareness,exploration and reflection of feelings and relationships with ones selfand others. This offers the opportunity to change by experimenting indifferent ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. Dramatherapy offers asafe environment to reflect upon existing beliefs, attitudes, andfeelings and the opportunity to try alternative ways of acting in theworld.

Dramatherapists work in variety of settings these include

mental health areas
education
child care
training centres
services for people with learning disabilities
prison and probation service
private sector

By encouraging creative expressionindividuals and group members can feel involved in relationships withother people and in the course of having some fun, clients can buildself confidence and self awareness. Through role play and experimentingwith alternative behaviours and strategies, clients can learn to dealwith social situations with increased understanding and assertiveness,

Dramatherapy assistants

Thereare opportunities to assist registered dramatherapists in an assistantrole.

Staff working in a support role at a more advanced level may be known as an assistant practitioner.

Entry requirements:

A dramatherapist needs a degree in a relevant subject, such as drama orpsychology, or another appropriate professional qualification, plusappropriate clinical experience and experience of practical drama work.

Training programmes:

Dramatherapycourses last between 18 months and 3 years (depending on whether thecourse is taken on a full or part-time basis) and is at Masters level,leading to registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC). Forfurther information about where courses are offered, click here.

All of the institutions offering the course approach it differently - however common components would include:

Experience and competence in a broad range of drama and theatre skills, approaches and techniques including performance work.
Understanding and awareness of relevant psychological, psychotherapeutic and anthropological principles and practices.
Participation in an ongoing, experiential dramatherapy training group
Knowledge of related therapies such as art, music, dance/movement and play
Supervised dramatherapy practice
Continuous assessment and written work
Personal development/therapy

Funding of postgraduate courses

Students willnormally need to fund their way through these courses themselves.Occasionally, individuals have been able to gain assistance fromcharities or grant making trusts. It could be possible for someonealready employed within the NHS to seek funding from their employer.Information on funding sources may be obtained from the individualinstitutions.

How to apply for training programmes:

The application process for dramatherapy programs is administered byindividual institutions running the courses. For details of wherecourses are offered, click here.

Formore information on the course administration and application routesyou should apply directly to the institutions of your choice.

Art Therapy : Drama Therapy - Websites and Links

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:33:05 +0000

Author: nurserve
Subject: Drama Therapy - Websites and Links
Posted: 27 Jul 2008 at 12:33pm

The Forensic Arts Therapies Advisory Group

FATAGis a voluntary organisation which aims to provide support, advice andopportunities for continuing professional development for artstherapists working in forensic or secure settings and trainee artstherapists on placement in forensics. Web site: www.fatag.org.uk.

The Sesame Institute

TheSesame Institute is a registered charity which promotes Drama andMovement Therapy through training, outreach and other activities. Website: www.sesame-institute.org.

HPC - Health Professions Council

Formerly The Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine. Web site: www.hpc-uk.org/.

Department for Children, Schools and Families

Web site: www.dfes.gov.uk/

Department of Health

Web site: www.dh.gov.uk/en/

National Association of Dramatherapy (America)

Web site: www.nadt.org

Dramatherapy Northern Ireland

Dramatherapy Northern Ireland provides information, training and networking opportunities for dramatherapists and others interested in this field, across the province. Web site: www.dramatherapynorthernireland.org.uk

The South African Association of Dramatherapists

Web site: www.dramatherapy.co.za

Dramatherapy in Korea

A site that may be of particular interest to Dramatherapists working in Asia. Web site: www.dramatherapy.co.kr

Dramatherapy in Greece and Cyprus

This web site is a resource for Dramatherapists, training courses in Dramatherapy and workshops in Greece, Cyprus and all over the world. The site is bilingual (English and Greek): www.dramatherapy.gr

Scottish Arts Therapies Forum

Information for arts therapists in Scotland: www.satf.org.uk

The Dramatherapy Network

A resource for dramatherapists all over the world. Web site: www.dramatherapy.net

Roundabout

Roundaboutis a registered charity offering long-term and short-term Dramatherapyprojects with a range of clients. They work with individuals and groupsof all ages. Web site: www.roundaboutdramatherapy.org.uk.

Scenario - Dramatherapy

www.dramatherapy.org.uk

Creative Psychotherapy

www.creativepsychotherapy.info

Communicube

www.communicube.co.uk

Being a Dramatherapist

www.theatreandtherapy.blogspot.com

Sesame Dramatherapy

Individual and group dramatherapy for children, young people and adults with a wide range of needs. Web site: www.sesamedramatherapy.com/

Dramatherapy Research

Thegroup is for members of BADth, non-BADth members andnon-Dramatherapists who are interested in the subject of Dramatherapyresearch. Dramatherapy clients with an interest in research would beparticularly welcome. Web site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BADthResearch/
To join, send a blank e-mail to BADthResearch-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Information : Welcome!!!

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 12:51:34 +0000

Author: nurserve
Subject: Welcome!!!
Posted: 26 Jul 2008 at 12:51pm

This web site has been created to provide Allied Health Professionals with a comprehensive forum allowing views, practices, information and news to be exchanged.
Whilst the site contains a wide range of disciplines the AHP forum encourages cross sharing of best practices, ideas and solutions amongst all the various sections of the AHP community.

Any information relating to both professional and social life for AHP practitioners can be posted here.

We thank you for spending time on the web site and look forward to sharing your opinions and views of the Allied Health Profession.

Warm Regards

Steve

Edited by nurserve - 26 Jul 2008 at 12:51pm