Letters, discussion and debate from the last two weeks.
Get involved now by sending your contributions by email to talkback@csp.org.uk or write to Letters, Frontline, 14 Bedford Row London WC1R 4ED.
Letters should be no more than 250 words and Frontline reserves the right to edit your letters. Please ensure you include your name, address and a daytime telephone number.
Ready and able
I read the article regarding the CSP’s call for investment in physiotherapy for incontinence (page 12, 18 March). Having spent part of my clinical career as a pelvic, obstetric and gynae (POG) specialist I agree with this sentiment.
I was, however, puzzled by Doreen McClurg’s statement that ‘this speciality is not taught at undergraduate level’. As lecturer/placement support tutor, I can assure Ms McClurg that our students are very well taught regarding POG physiotherapy. We are very fortunate in having a team of very experienced, committed POG specialists who join us for a day and a half each year to teach level five students. Gail Everett, Cardiff University
Proceed with caution
I read Karen Middleton’s column (page 35, 4 March). I agree that ‘diverse thinking’ should be encouraged and can see the benefits for patients, services and other systems. Karen also pointed out that diverse thinking can help avoid ‘group think’ and enable creative solutions to difficult problems.
However, I do think that ‘thought diversity’ needs to come with a word of caution. I am certain this was not intended by Karen, but there is a danger that ‘diverse thinking’ is seen as a replacement, rather than an addition, to seeking ‘diverse perspectives’. If diverse thinking solutions continually arise from those who are privileged, this might further marginalise minority perspectives. ‘Dominant think’ is as problematic as ‘group think’. John Hammond, chair, equality and diversity committee, St George’s, University of London
Enough already
I totally agree with the letter headed Future shock (18 March). Do we wish to be part of a fantastic profession we are all proud of or a second rate ineffective service? Time to say enough is enough. Please CSP stop the rot and help our profession survive into the next decade. We are wonderful at what we do, help us do it! Amanda Weller
Forward thinking
I refer to Andrew Mooney’s letter headed Stifling innovation (4 March). I agree that anecdotal evidence needs to be given equal importance to evidence-based medicine (EBM).
All physios need to make their own observations, assessments and judgements to what would be the best treatment and to where their findings disagree with current EBM literature they need to be able to give a persuasive critique. This, I believe, is the only way forward for our profession to grow in knowledge, EBM research and autonomy. Jacqueline Wright
Sackett and see
Mr Mooney has an incorrect understanding of the meaning of evidence based medicine (EBM) (letters, 4 March). The most frequently used definition of EBM is that devised by David Sackett in a BMJ article where he explicitly defines it as ‘the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values’ (Sackett et al 1996). Also see here. Samantha Densem
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- MA Coles responded to a news item titled CSP launches online resources to boost continuing professional development: As a still-registered physiotherapist of 47 years’ experience, I’m delighted to see this development. I have always followed these ways of promoting good practice and personal development and fortunately keep a record of reading material and courses attended together with reflective writing on my practice. This has now enabled me to attend Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge to pursue an MSc in public health. It is equipping me to continue to have a voice in delivery of patient care and policy.
- CFCampbell responded to a news item titled Encourage everyone to be more active – even if their weight is healthy, says NICE. Before we as a profession apply recommended exercise guidelines we have to, each individually, ask if we are in the status as a prime example to advise. Can we also advise in the capacity as relative experts in the field, ie are the advisers comfortable from being practically experienced in what is being directed. Have you tried and tested the exercise regime you are prescribing or is it something learned from a book; because we are almost tending to become an exercise coach.
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