Sharing Knowledge in Sweden – The Role of Physiotherapists in Spasticity Management 

The area of neurological rehabilitation and the role that physiotherapists can play is fast developing throughout the world. The UK is widely considered to be amongst the leading countries in this area on an international basis, with other countries looking to improve their practices. Being at the forefront of this area of specialism in the UK places our team in high demand when it comes to sharing knowledge with fellow neurological professionals throughout the global healthcare community.

It is for this reason that Consultant Neurological Physiotherapist, Hon Clinical Lecturer UCLAN Peter Sanderson was invited to attend a Nordic Experts Meeting event in Sweden to share his experience in the development of medics, physiotherapists and other allied healthcare professionals talk about their role in effective spasticity management.

The interview, organised by Allergan, was conducted by Anna Olin Kardell, a renowned journalist and interviewer in the Nordic Isles.

Throughout the course of the session, Anna asked Pete a variety of questions, covering topics including the role of physiotherapists in spasticity management and how this has developed over recent years, the function of physiotherapists in the MDT and the potential impact that early intervention of physiotherapy can have on patients and their care plans.

The main threads of the interview included the role of the MDT and the importance of collaborative working; not working in isolation.

The enhancement of spasticity management – both in the Nordic Isles and internationally – was also covered and it was discussed how essential it is to upskill our workforce that how this will develop will depend on the way in which physiotherapists are nurtured; the clinical supervision provided and the emphasis on training.

The interview provided a platform for Peter to highlight to the international audience the importance of upskilling our workforce and providing evidenced based practice.

This year was intended to comprise of a busy programme of knowledge sharing for our team of experts, but many of the events that were on the agenda were soon cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Whilst we have been continuing to share his skills and expertise with both national and international colleagues over recent months via online channels and virtual events, it was great to finally be able to attend an event in person.

Whilst safety will always come first, our view is that we will continue to engage in presentations where possible, be these virtually or in person, is order to contribute to the wider professional community of physiotherapists and neurological specialists, with the wider aim of enhancing the treatment of patients with neurological conditions and disorders.