Several members of the association attended the two day conference organised by Ottobock Australia which was held at the Southern Cross University, Gold Coast over the weekend of the 28th & 29th October 2017.

This event was one of the biggest that Ottobock had organised and it was the first time to run over two days and included an official social event.

The two days were packed full of information, interactive exhibits, hands on workshops, demonstrations and social activities. The aim of the LIMB

-itless conference was to provide a broad spectrum of information and education for those with limbloss and their families, friends and carers.

The conference was very successful all due to the Ottobock Marketing Coordinator, Anita

Stapleton and her team’s hard work.  As a long term amputee I found it extremely valuable as it provided current up to date information

on the new Ottobock technology, the implementation of NDIS and the role of QALS.

In the current climate it is essential for the consumer to have a greater understanding of the

service providers including the company that provides the product’s i.e. Ottobock. The knowledge of the new technology, products and services available for the consumer can only be advantageous for the consumer when they commence discussing their NDIS plan with their Prosthetic or Orthotic Service Providers.  The presenters were very experienced and allowed plenty of time for questions and any queries

related to the following conference topics:

-

•

What is the NDIS and How to prepare for the NDIS?

-

Levels and Prosthetic Prescription Upper limb Prosthetics Fundamentals. Cosmetic /

Body powered / Myoelectric

•

Foot Care. It really is ‘Foot Care’ not ‘Feet Care’ now

•

Socket Technology Overview

•

Advanced technology for those in need of greater support

•

Advanced technology for those with minimal limitations

•

Managing Limb Pain

•

Troubleshooting the skin and socket interface

•

How to prepare for the NDIS Funding for those who are not

-

NDIS eligible

–

Debra Berg.

•

“Walk Better” Workshop Above Knee Amputees, and Get Active Activities

‘Get Active’ Golf and ‘Get Active’ Fitness

Please see the below link for the above Conference presentations:

-

Limbitless Presentation

PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC ADVISORY GROUP

Sunshine Coast University (USC)

On the 1st of December 2017, I attended the inaugural meeting of the Prosthetic & Orthotic Advisory Group (P&OAG) at the Sunshine Coast University as a consumer representative and on behalf of the Amputee Support Association Sunshine Coast.

The Sunshine University now offers a prosthetic and orthotic degree and is in the process of being recognised by Australian Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA). Ben Lucas, Senior Lecturer, Prosthetics & Orthotics (USC) is the course coordinator and chairs the advisory group.

The participants include: Allied Health disciplines i.e. Occupational Health, Prosthetic Service Providers, consumer representatives and student representatives.

Background:

The P&O program at USC took its first students in the beginning of 2016 in the original program format approved by the university. These students took core courses for the first three semesters and there are currently five students that will be entering their third and final year at USC. After the program leads arrival in May of 2016, a major change in the program took place and was approved by the university in late 2016. The changes shifted some of the emphasis to more clinical courses (including OT), starting P&O specific courses earlier in the program, and allow more room for extended placements in the last year. The first five students are currently in a mix of the old and new program and will be focusing their last year on completing a portfolio of

competence to become eligible for AOPA at the end of their degree.

There are approximately 18 students starting their second year and of those many will progress directly to the third year, with a few students completing their studies part time. These students are being matriculated through the new program, which is in the process of seeking interim accreditation through AOPA. The application is with the Dean of the faculty and should be submitted to AOPA by the time the first meeting convenes. Approval will set USC on a path to submit for full accreditation for the graduating class of 2019 which will provide students with eligibility for AOPA membership upon graduation upon successful approval.

The purpose of the Advisory Group is to discuss ways to improve the program offered at USC.  The information and format were provided prior to the meeting to assist the participants in discussions related to the improving the program and changes relevant to the field that need to be addressed. To work towards a method of providing substantial feedback in improving the program in training new graduates both from a clinical and user perspective. At the end of the inaugural meeting a tour of the new USC Prosthetic and Orthotic Workshop on campus was conducted by two of the emerging 3rd year students. The Workshop was very impressive and they showcased the new space and provided some examples of how they have and intend to use the space in the development of the student’s technical, clinical, and critical reasoning skills. The new workshop is staffed by a .5 FTE technician who has experience in both Occupational Health & Safety and orthotic/prosthetic clinical work.

The topics discussed at the meeting were as follows:

•

The Role of the Advisory Group

In a round table discussion, the forum opened by discussing the role of the

group and the reasons for membership, there were several reasons/ideas presented, but they tended to centre on the following themes:

Commitment to the Improving Clinical Provision Quality

➢

Communication

–

the ‘story’ of the person

➢

Clinical Assessment/Outcome Measures

o

Informing/Influencing Change in the Culture of P&O Clinical Care

➢

Knowledge of lifespan/prognosis and role of P&O

➢

Mentor/Coach/Educator

➢

Empowerment of the Person in their own care

•

What skills/attributes are most important to develop in students/new graduates?

•

Potential challenges within the field and education, both present and future

Potential Ideas for Student

-

led Clinics Further detailed information on the above topics can be provided on request.  Ben advised that they are thankful for the extreme interest and support by many in the region and nationally in the successful development of the program. It is impossible to include all theindividuals and groups that have helped in the development of this program, but all are very appreciated.

The next proposed meeting will be in June/July of 2018.

Queensland Artificial Limb Service (QALS) Consumer Advisory Committee

QALS Consumer Advisory committee meeting was held on the 12th February 2018 which I attended as a nominated consumer representative also on behalf of the Sunshine Coast Amputee Support Association.

QALS Manager Debra Berg chaired the meeting and the membership included other representative/s from:

•

Consumer Support Groups and Associations;

•

Amputee Clinic Coordinators for recognised amputee clinics;

•

Prosthetic Service Providers;

•

Dept. of Veteran Affairs;

•

Medical Doctor and Health Practitioners involved in amputee rehabilitation and

clinics;

•

National Disability Insurance Scheme Agency.

The role of this Committee is to

act in an advisory capacity to QALS on issues related to the overall

effectiveness and efficiency of the service.

The purpose of this Committee is:

•

To assist in the review of policies and procedures

•

To advise on the quality and level of prosthetic and related services

•

To participate in quality improvement activities

•

To represent the concerns of the clients and providers as appropriate

•

To address issues as may be periodically submitted by QALS management

The meeting will be held quarterly and the next meeting is due in May 2018, unless emergency or adhoc meeting is called by the Chairperson

Brief overview of items of interest:

Debra Berg provided update on the Budgets: FY 2017/2018 & 2018/2019

•

Funds have already been taken from QALS base budget and transferred to NDIS from roll out zones within this financial year. QALS is trying as best as possible to keep services going for clients in NDIS zones while they transitions.

•

PSPs are to clear outstanding orders by 31 May 2018 and invoice immediately after.

•

FY 2018/2019 will see the QALS base budget further reduced for additional NDIS roll out zones on 1 July 2018. QALS is seeking a written notice indicating the service may operate in deficit for costs associated with NDIS transition clients, otherwise QALS services may be discontinue on 1 July 2018 for under 65’s.

•

Future funding remaining for clients >65 years on 1 July 2018, will be finite and limited services will apply. A business case has been submitted for a funding increase to Corporate Office in January 2018, and waiting response.

NDIS Productivity Report is completed and available. It was asked if a copy could be sent to QALS. Other supporting documentation has been finalised to assist clients with the planning process are available to members. Located on Website QALS have a process to notify their clients of NDIS. Copies of the correspondence sent by QALS to existing clients regarding the NDIS process was shared with the support groups members.

Support groups are to encourage their members to raise their concerns to their local government member if they are having issues with the transition to NDIS, or lack of support from QALS, as now is the time to vocalise their concerns as QALS funding constraints are already affecting amputees.

Amputees/PSPs are to be more aware of adding repairs for an entire year into their/the NDIS plan.  As there is long delays with appointments for a Plan revision with the NDIS.