In perspective: There is a way to promote physiotherapy

Do you have any tips to share on implementing National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance? Have you developed an innovative method of patient care which reflects NICE guidance?

If so, the NICE shared learning database is an excellent vehicle through which members can promote the valuable contribution that physiotherapy has to offer for both health and social care service users.

It is a repository of successful initiatives which demonstrates how barriers to the use of NICE guidance have been overcome to improve services and explains the lessons that were learnt along the way. In some cases, the database also provides access to the resources developed for others to use.  This invaluable resource is accessible by professionals, patients and the public, and is primarily to assist healthcare providers to implement NICE recommendations.  NICE is particularly keen to hear of initiatives where NICE quality standards have been used to measure and improve the quality of care. Shared learning examples can be accessed here 

The number of submissions by physiotherapists to the NICE shared learning database is relatively low.

Frontline is often peppered with examples of hugely innovative service redesign projects which map to NICE quality standards or clinical guidelines.

If such projects were also submitted to the NICE shared learning database, this would raise the profile of the profession and provide dissemination to a wider audience.  The NICE website has a link to a template for shared learning submissions and instructions for authors, but NICE staff are also able to assist with submissions.

Submission of an entry on the shared learning database automatically qualifies you for entry into the annual NICE shared learning awards.

Submissions are judged each January based on:

• how thoroughly the barriers to implementation were examined.

• how effectively the implementation methods were matched to the barriers identified?

• how well the results of the project were measured?

• how transferrable and helpful the key learning points are to others

Those shortlisted are offered space to display a poster detailing their service innovation at the annual NICE conference. The top three project leads are invited to present their service initiatives to the conference delegates who vote for the winner.

So whether you are looking for sources of inspiration, or wishing to share a successful physiotherapy initiative, please take time to familiarise yourselves with this online resource.

NICE is also seeking feedback on their new look website. If you feel that improvements are needed to the site and would like to provide feedback, it can be accessed by clicking on the blue banner at the top of each of the NICE web pages.   

*NICE recruits 10 fellows a year, usually senior health and social care leaders.

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