Recently, ACPOPC was asked to make a submission to the NHS Ten Year Plan, as a specialist interest group recognised by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists.
Equitable services
ACPOPC highlighted the need to focus on providing more equitable services throughout the UK, whether this be screening services, specialist services, and specialist oncology and palliative care rehabilitation services. This has been a priority for ACPOPC, further strengthened by the CRUK’s report highlighting significant disparity in the system for oncology patients. Please read our blog post on this matter for more information.
Better use of technology
ACPOPC also suggested that the NHS focus on improving the integration of technology used within oncology. ACPOPC advocated for reducing inefficiency transferring care from acute services to specialist or community services, but also for more widespread adoption of wearable technology. Current systems in place are often siloed, and do not allow for the patient’s information to be easily accessed externally. There is often duplication, which has to be made manually, and this is a huge source of inefficiency for therapists working in the error, as well as creating major potential for error. ACPOPC submitted that there should be consideration for cross-platform communication for clinicians to better access patient information.
On the adoption of wearable technology, ACPOPC is keen on promoting more of such technology. However, forethought and caution should be practiced in the policies made as these may backfire. Health policy should look to be inclusive of all of the population, and consideration should be given to those who are less technologically literate such that the policy created does not inadvertently alienate this population.
Focus on prevention
ACPOPC has also included a section about focusing more on prevention, both in terms of addressing the modifiable lifestyle behaviours that increase risk of developing cancer but also reducing the complications and burdens of cancer treatment. Physiotherapy encourages a holistic approach to viewing lifestyle, physiotherapists are important members of the MDT that can make significant contribution to this aspect of the NHS Ten Year Plan. More than that, physical activity and exercise has been shown to greatly improve physical reserves and performance status in patients with cancer as well as those undergoing cancer treatment, which can have a significant impact on quality of life for patients. ACPOPC therefore believes that there is a huge role its members can have in addressing this.
Full Report
ACPOPC apologises that only a subset of members were consulted during this submission. There was a short turnaround time for this submission, and therefore ACPOPC made a pragmatic decision to call a rapid meeting with selected members and the committee members to ensure that a submission was made on time. We have reflected this back to the CSP for future reference.
For the full report, please click the link here.