Occupation

Abstracts
P65
Macmillan enhanced cancer recovery program
feedback questionnaire
Wilkinson W, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health
Board
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to collect service participant
feedback for 2014/2015, thereby monitoring service participant
opinion of changes to the service. This was to ensure the
principles of patient-centred and prudent healthcare remain
central to service delivery, in line with recommendations from
the Bevan Commission (2014).
METHOD: The questionnaire was given to all service participants
discharged from the service between April 2014 and March
2015. Return postage was provided to encourage return
rate. All returned forms were collated by the Clinical Audit &
Effectiveness Team.
RESULTS: 81/120 questionnaires distributed were returned,
yielding a response rate of 67.5%. Of these, 91.4% were patient
responses and 8.6% from a family member, carer, or friend.
80% reported limitations to daily activities following cancer or
cancer treatments. 65% reported being ‘concerned’/‘extremely
concerned’ before rehabilitation. 95% reported their concerns
were addressed during rehabilitation. 13% reported being
‘concerned’/‘extremely concerned’ following rehabilitation. 95%
of rehabilitation participants rated the service as ‘excellent’. 91%
of people discharged from the cancer rehabilitation program
felt either ‘confident’/‘very confident’ to continue to adhere to
an active, healthy lifestyle. Descriptive feedback demonstrates
the impact of this service on their ability to live well after
cancer: Excellent service – I was grateful for the opportunity
to be initiated into a gentle exercise program which definitely
facilitated my return to work thank you”.
CONCLUSION: This patient satisfaction questionnaire
demonstrates that the Macmillan Therapy Team continue to
deliver a high quality, patient-centred, service which is effective
meeting the needs and expectations of local people. The results
show that engaging in rehabilitation services can reduce the
level of concern reported by people affected by cancer, and can
potentially reduce reliance on social support services.
References
Bevan Commission (2014). Prudent Healthcare – The Underlying
Principles. Public Health Wales
Keywords
Long term conditions, Service improvement or transformation,
Practice – present and future, NHS
Contact E-mail Addresses
wendy.wilkinson@wales.nhs.uk
Author Biographies
Wendy Wilkinson qualified as an Occupational Therapist from
Charles Sturt University, NSW Australia, in 1997. She has
worked in both Australia and across the UK. Wendy undertook
her Masters qualifications in 2006 at Sydney University, using
this opportunity to explore further the role of an Occupational
Therapist in end of life care and rehabilitation. She started her
Professional Doctorate in 2013, whilst working in a Macmillan
Cancer Rehabilitation position in Swansea. Since starting this
post in 2009, she has been actively involved in the development
of rehabilitation services for local people living with and beyond
a cancer diagnosis.
Posters
P66
Dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses: experiences of
people with multiple sclerosis
Lacey S, Sheffield Hallam University
This primary research study aims to explore the use and
effectiveness of dynamic Lycra orthoses (DEFO) for the upper
limb for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. DEFO are ‘splints
individually designed to fit the whole or parts of the body, and
can improve mobility, posture and function.’ (Capability Scotland
2013).
They have been used widely for individuals with Cerebral Palsy,
however research highlights issues with comfort, fit/removal, and
non-compliance due to toileting issues, difficulty with washing,
and poor functional benefits.
There is currently no research for their use in MS, but the same
issues could be true, so research was required.
Mixed methods research was used to gather quantitative
data about the use and benefits/drawbacks of the garments,
and qualitative data to explore what the garments meant for
occupation.
Data was gathered by an online questionnaire. The participant
group was a convenience sample of people with MS who had
experience of using dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses.
The study results are currently being analysed (study due
for completion December 2015). Thus far data analysis has
identified commonalities between people who do and do not
continue to wear the garments, to how long participants have
had the garments, to the types of garments provided, and to
satisfaction with factors such as ease of use and appearance.
Qualitative data is currently being analysed using thematic
analysis, and identify attitudes and behaviours in relation to
DEFO.
This study will begin to understand the experience of using the
garments for people with MS, to understand their functional
benefits, and to look for longer-term trends in terms of who
these garments work for and when. This will ensure that DEFO
are an effective intervention for service users and Occupational
Therapists.
Ethical approval was granted and has been monitored by
Sheffield Hallam University (Dec 14), as part of an MSc in
Occupational Therapy.
References
Capability Scotland (2013) CP factsheet: Lycra dynamic
splinting. Edinburgh: Capability Scotland. Accessed at: http://
www.capability-scotland.org.uk/media/57721/Lycra_dynamic_
splinting_11_21891_26871.pdf Accessed on 08.11.14.
Keywords
Long term conditions, Research, Practice – present and future,
Education
Contact E-mail Addresses
sarah.lacey@swyt.nhs.uk
Author Biographies
Sarah Lacey currently works in community neurological
rehabilitation and a community brain injury rehabilitation service
in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. She has a particicular interest in
neurological splinting and upper limb rehabilitation, and is keen
to develop innovative and practical ideas for therapists to use
with their clients.
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