Return To Work Guidance (HCPC, MCSP , ACPOHE) ACPOHE Introduction - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

ACPOHE

Recovering From COVID-19: Return To Work Guidance

Nicola Suckley Katherine Roberts Paul Shawcross (HCPC, MCSP , ACPOHE)

Introduction

Association of Chartered Physiotherapist in Occupational Health and Ergonomics (ACPOHE)

• Established in 1947
• One of the largest sub groups of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

(CSP)

• 350 Members (102 Registered)
• Open to all Allied Health Professionals
• Welcomes international members
• Aims to develop & enhance the quality of OH Physiotherapy in the UK

Occupational Health Essentials’

• Online - 9 modules

Other Training courses

• Online and Face to face

Guidance Documents

• Evidence based

Study Day/ Conference/ Webinar

Education

COVID-19

• Significant impact on global health – directly and indirectly
• Symptoms vary in severity
• The most common symptoms include: a new continuous cough, high

temperature or loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell

• High risk groups: people over the age of 60, those with underlying health

conditions and those of BAME origin

• Lasting post virus symptoms limiting function and RTW
• Considerations for health and work
• Employees with COVID-19
• Physical and Mental Health of the Overall Workforce
• Employees with Additional Health Conditions

Guidance Document

Scope

Educate ALL clinicians on how to carryout a work conversation ALL Detail the role of Occupational Health Physiotherapy in facilitating Return to Work OH Team Guide OH Physiotherapists on how to functionally rehabilitate employees to return to work post Covid-19 OH Physio

ACPOHE

‘Work’ Conversations and the Role of OH Physiotherapy

Katherine Roberts (MSc, HCPC, MCSP , ACPOHE)

Myth Busting

• 1. Do not need to be 100% fit to

RTW

• 2. Fit note not required to return

to their normal duties of work

• 3. Any fitness for work guidance

is 'advisory’ (can be amended by the employee and employer)

• 4. The AHP Health and Work

report can be used for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) purposes

ACPOHE

Poll 1a & 1b

RTW Conversation

• Ask open questions
• Don’t make

presumptions

• What does their

job actually involve?

• What do they feel

will help?

Potential Obstacles to Successful RTW

Case Study: Covid Example

Work demands shape your rehabilitation goals

Work Factors

Potential Psychosocial and Individual Risk Factors Physical Risk Factors

• Self employment
• Lack of support with RTW
• Isolation/lone working
• Mental health issues
• High physical work demands such as bending,

lifting, twisting

• Very high levels of fitness required – aerobic

capacity/endurance, strength, flexibility, balance

• Safety critical work (work at height, with

machines)

AHP Fitness for Work Report?

• Commonly completed by OT’s and

physio’s

• Use encouraged by DWP and Dept of

Health

• Allows more detailed information on

employee difficulties and associated recommendations

• AHP’s, especially First Contact

Practitioners (FCP’s) well placed to discuss work and make recommendations

• Can be used as evidence for Statutory

Sick Pay (but no other benefits)

Work Adjustments/Modifications

RECOMMENDATIONS Practical, easily understood Specific, realistic, timely, and with timescales Clinically reasoned Think outside the box Communicate effectively to individual and

• rganisation

Sensitive to costs

ACPOHE

Adapting our support for employees during the pandemic

Paul Shawcross (HCPC, MCSP , ACPOHE)

Specialist OH Physiotherapy

Key skills: Rehabilitation Goals Fitness for Work Assessments

• 1. Physical capacity

e.g. strength and cardiovascular fitness Analysis of Job Demands Functional Testing

• 2. Mental capacity

e.g. decreasing the fear of returning to work Functional Rehabilitation Return-to-Work Programmes

• 3. Functional abilities

e.g. bending, lifting, reaching movements specific to the job Return-to-Work Planning

Functional Testing

Objective measures:

Duration of the test completed Metres walked / number of lifts? Pain score Rate of Perceived Exertion Heart rate?

Functional Testing over video

Functional testing over video: static bending

Functional Rehabilitation

Case Study:

• Absent for 4 weeks after suffering with COVID-19. Recovered well but still has some fatigue symptoms
• Works as a platform host, dispatching trains for a rail company
• Keen to return to work but worried about ability to complete a full shift based on fatigue symptoms

Graded Physical Activity

What about symptoms of fatigue?

Pace Plan Prioritise

Mental Health Support

Reassurance Someone to listen Signposting – healthcare and resources Lifestyle advice Communication with the workplace Involve in shared decisions about their health

Key Messages

• Work conversation crucial – should start at beginning of care
• Ask about work demands - be clear what a person really does
• Shape rehabilitation goals based on specific work demands
• Understand potential obstacles to successful RTW (blue and black flags)
• Utilise AHP Health and Work Report
• Refer patient on for specialist Occupational Health assessment when needed
• Consider further developing your own skills in Occupational Health
• Contact ACPOHE for support with OH Education and Training

ACPOHE

Poll 2

ACPOHE

Thank you for listening Any questions? Website acpohe.csp.org.uk Email acpohe@buryphysio.co.uk