A revolutionary new approach which aims to significantly improve the management of back problems and self help for patients suffering with back pain is being supported by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust.
In a bid to enhance services and bring relief to back pain sufferers on the Island, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust is training all of its musculoskeletal physiotherapy (Msk) workforce in the McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) method to ensure consistent delivery of spinal care – the only Trust in the UK to do this.
Back pain is extremely common and can be frightening and debilitating. It will affect more than 50% of us at some point in our lives. 90% of this pain is easily curable or manageable, without recourse to surgery or serious medication. Apart from a sufferer’s pain and anxiety, the economic cost of lost working days and extensive drugs use is significant.
The McKenzie method is an internationally recognised approach to back pain that is effective in the management of the majority of spinal problems. It focuses on self management and preventative care, specific for each individual patient, and is a proven and successful approach to spinal pain management as well as problems with joints, muscles and ligaments of the whole body.
The McKenzie (MDT) educational programme was proposed by Leeane Walsh, Physiotherapy Musculoskeletal Service Lead and Clinical Specialist, and her colleagues in the physiotherapy service at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust as a way of unifying all Island back pain services offered by healthcare professionals and helping patients with co-ordinated expert care, reducing conflicting information given by different healthcare professionals, even within the same profession.
The initiative has been enthusiastically received by all.
Leanne Walsh, Physiotherapy Musculoskeletal Service Lead and Clinical Specialist at St. Mary’s Hospital said: “I am delighted with the support from commissioning, management, GPs and staff. The McKenzie approach will benefit Isle of Wight patients with early and intermediate stage spinal concerns. Our intention is to prevent chronic problems developing in the future. This united approach to spinal training is part of my vision to provide the best care for Isle of Wight patients”
A study day attended by 21 local GPs took place on 24th April to explain the principles of the assessment and treatment options. Most GP practices have already signed up at least one GP. Medina Healthcare GP Practice has signed up half of their available GPs in order to share their co-ordinated knowledge. Lighthouse Educational Foundation has approved supportive funding for the Island’s GPs to encourage GP participation for the benefit of the Island residents.
Ideally, by training all musculoskeletal therapy providers in this co-ordinated way, all Island patients will receive a consistent approach to care. Island GP’s, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Osteopaths have all been invited to the McKenzie MDT educational programme at St. Mary’s Hospital. After the programme of courses, taught by Senior International Faculty McKenzie Lecturer, Jennifer Ross, there is a credentialed exam that participants can elect to undertake which will certify a high standard of care in the McKenzie MDT approach. Those who qualify from the exam can opt to go on both a National and International Register of credentialed therapists. Leeane Walsh, Physiotherapist Musculoskeletal Service Lead and Clinical Specialist at St. Mary’s Hospital is one of only four Credentialed McKenzie Therapists on the Island.
This is brilliant news for patients and service providers. The long term benefits are of genuine patient satisfaction, self management, reduced repeat visits to the GP with the same problem, reduced use of prescribed medication, prompt onward referral when necessary and ultimately reduced incidence and recurrence of back problems.
The Isle of Wight NHS McKenzie MDT education programme is a series of 4 courses provided by the McKenzie Institute UK. The programme will be completed over a 2 year period, between 2012 and 2014. The first courses, Part A and B, were completed in the spring and the autumn last year. A similar schedule is planned for 2013.
The McKenzie educational programme undertaken by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust’s Msk Physiotherapists, is supported by the Isle of Wight Community Care Commissioners, Isle of Wight NHS Trust and the McKenzie Institute (UK).
The Government has designated the management of Musculoskeletal Spinal pain as one of its key health issues to address.
