In the last month we’ve been capitalising on the virtual world of education post-Covid and have been a part of four webinars. While each had a Covid focus we’ve been sure to include as much information about ME as possible.
Off the back of these appearances we’ve had an increase in engagement from physiotherapists, many getting in touch to thank us for our resources, to ask questions or to request permission to use some of our slides in their own training. We’ve also had experienced therapists contact us to share their valuable knowledge, and we hope to work with them more closely to continue to learn and share ideas.
Most of the webinars were recorded but are available through resources that can only be accessed by registered physiotherapists. For those who cannot access them, we would direct you to our own podcast which contains the same information. So far it has had over two thousand views!
Going forwards we are hoping to produce two new podcasts, one about Heart Rate Monitoring, and one about Pacing. If you have any requests for other topics you’d like us to cover in future, then do get in touch.
The webinars we have been a part of are:
“Chartered Society of Physiotherapy: A Spotlight on Fatigue”
This was a new series of webinars hosted by the CSP for chartered physiotherapists, and we were the feature for their very first one, hosted on 24 June 2020. The opening theme of the webinar was about influencing, and Physios for ME were used as an example of how individuals can use their skills to influence healthcare.
We discussed the reasons why we formed and the issues around ME and physiotherapy, then with Dr Charles Shepherd’s expertise (medical advisor to the ME Association) we covered post viral fatigue syndrome and ME, helping physiotherapists to spot signs and symptoms and providing advice on management techniques.
The webinar was attended by over 200 physiotherapists and we got some great feedback from it.
For physiotherapists who are registered with iCSP this webinar was recorded and is available to watch here
Feedback we received from this webinar: “Excellent webinar regarding fatigue… monitoring HR and BP not only for our respiratory patients but also to monitor induced fatigue and consequences of activity. Physical, cognitive and emotional contributors must be acknowledged in treatment.”
East Midlands CSP Webinar
On 27 June we were invited to talk about post-Covid fatigue in an event themed on “Community Rehabilitation in the Region”. Once again we were joined by Dr Charles Shepherd and we managed to cover the importance of recognising developing of PVFS and ME, alongside appropriate management techniques.
More than 50 chartered physiotherapists attended the event from the East Midlands. The recording is available for iCSP members here
Feedback we received from this webinar: “A lot of useful information about fatigue management to take back to the team.”
End PJ Paralysis Global Summit
The global campaign to end “PJ paralysis” (the term given to the widespread deconditioning that can occur when patients remain in bed in hospital) is something we support wholeheartedly as physiotherapists, however when we saw their global summit was specifically about the impact of Covid-19 on both physical and psychological deconditioning we knew we needed to raise awareness of the very real possibility that post viral fatigue syndrome, and potentially development of ME, would be present in post-Covid patients and that typical “deconditioning” approaches would not be suitable.
We pre-recorded a twenty minute piece, again with Charles Shepherd on board, called “Post-Viral Fatigue (PVF), Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)”, and were then available for live Q&As on 10 July 2020.
You can register to be notified of replays here.
Feedback received from this webinar: “I learned heaps and I'm sure everyone else will too. An absolutely fascinating presentation.”
London ACPIN Seminar: Fatigue
On 20 July 2020 our amazing Associate Professor Dr Nicola Clague-Baker presented an hour lecture for the London branch of “ACPIN” (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology) titled: “Fatigue : Potential Causes, Management and Special Populations Including Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome and ME.”
Over 180 physiotherapists attended and were able to submit questions. Because the presentation included patient stories it was not recorded.
Feedback received from this webinar: “Insightful and so informative. The London ACPIN committee are ready to implement change in their clinical practice.”
So while this pandemic has turned the world upside down, this new spate of virtual opportunities will hopefully continue, allowing us to spread our message far and wide without having to travel!
Our warm thanks to Dr Charles Shepherd for lending his expertise, and for each of the platforms for inviting us to take part.