This last month has been all about empowering allied healthcare professionals across Ireland.
We recently organized a remarkable series of seven full-day hands-on workshops held in various cities across Ireland, attracting over 200 enthusiastic allied healthcare professionals. Equipped with yoga mats, measuring tools, and a strong desire to learn and refresh their hands-on skills, participants embarked on a transformative journey of knowledge acquisition and practical application.
Our workshops focused on body structures and functions assessment, essential for informed decision-making regarding seating, standing, and supported lying recommendations. Participants also gained a deeper understanding of the science behind wheelchair seat cushions, back supports, and lying supports.
Remarkably, many clinicians reported that this was their first-ever opportunity for a full day of hands-on training.
In our quest to provide continuing professional development and upskilling opportunities, we introduced prerecorded clinically focused webinars complemented by live Question and Answer sessions. This innovative approach has proven to be a resounding success, as participants can engage with the in-depth information at their convenience, reflect upon it, and pose questions to their peers from around the world. The positive experience with online learning during the pandemic has paved the way for us to offer true face-to-face hands-on workshops, eliminating the need for PowerPoint presentations.
The skills and knowledge gained during hands-on workshops in combination with webinars has shown to be invaluable, and for those who have more involvement with 24-Hour Postural Care and prescription of seating systems, the frequency and accessibility of our virtual mentorship and coaching programs have proved to be necessary for integrating what’s been learned into daily practice.
Our clinical mentorship program, born during the pandemic, continues to serve as a safe space for clinicians to advance their practice. Beyond resource sharing and didactic professional development, the five-week program delves deep into hands-on assessments and the translation of clinical findings. With expert guidance, participants also enhance their ability to advocate for change within their clinical teams and provide meaningful clinical input into assistive technology prescriptions.
We are committed to offering clinical mentorship to individuals and multidisciplinary teams throughout Autumn and Winter 2023 and beyond.
Recognizing the global demand for ongoing supervision, coaching, and mentoring, our mentorship program has extended its reach beyond the structured five-week program. Individual clinicians from various corners of the globe now seek touchpoints at six-week intervals to review interesting or complex clinical cases. Moreover, our guidance assists them in preparing for significant presentations and navigating the delicate balance of preserving clinical integrity while consulting for technology manufacturers and distributors. The program’s open discussions foster a safe environment critical during times of change and overwhelming healthcare systems burdened by lengthy wait lists.
One of the significant hurdles faced by many clinicians is securing funding to participate in these transformative courses.
We recognize that the process can be time-consuming and funds are scarce on multiple levels. However, clinicians have shown resourcefulness by seeking sponsorship from employers, industry partners, government grants, professional associations, and even personal funds. Despite the global rise in the cost of living, proactive planning for future CPD funding is crucial to ensure a smooth and unhindered professional development journey.
As summer holidays approach, it is tempting to put continuing professional development on hold until autumn. However, we encourage healthcare professionals to plan ahead and consider funding for future CPD now. By doing so, they can ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place when the courses commence, making the journey ahead seamless and allowing them to reap the benefits of ongoing professional growth. It may sound surreal, but with proper planning, this approach can lead to tremendous success and personal fulfillment.
The success of our hands-on workshops and clinical mentorship programs reflects the eagerness of allied healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and provide better care to their patients.
By fostering a learning environment that combines practical experiences, online resources, and supportive mentorship, we empower clinicians to make a meaningful impact in their field.