September always seem to bring a flurry of deadlines, activities and events – at least for those of us in the Northern hemisphere. There’s World PT Day, a WCPT Congress early-bird registration deadline, and a range of courses, events and discussions coming up – all very relevant to physical therapists around the world. Social media and the internet have contributed to the growth in opportunities to improve practice, be involved in your profession and contribute to its global development. While overwhelming at times, the plentiful opportunities do support global participation, partnerships and discussion. We hope that you, like us, are excited by the possibilities they raise.
Celebrate World Physical Therapy Day!
There’s just over a week left until World Physical Therapy Day on 8th September. Here are some last minute ideas to mark the day:
- publish this week’s World Physical Therapy Day press release
- spread the word via Facebook and Twitter
- print our ready-made “Fit to take part” posters and leaflet to display in your work place
- add a Movement for Health web ad to your website
Join the World PT Day tweet chat
Physiotalk, the website and blog which facilitates discussion on physical therapy practice and ideas, will be holding a “tweet chat” to coincide with World Physical Therapy Day on 8th September. The organisers are inviting PTs from around the world to participate in the discussion via Twitter. It will cover ways in which PTs can be advocates of the profession and how membership organisations can get involved. With the help of WCPT, Physiotalk has also published a list of people to follow on Twitter.
Health work in conflict zones: new video
“Rules of war in a nutshell” is the title of a new video from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) about the rules that protect civilians, detainees and health workers during conflict, and their right not to be targets of violence. WCPT is an official partner in ICRC’s campaign against violence to health staff and patients, Health Care in Danger.
WHO rehabilitation survey
The World Health Organization (WHO) is developing policy and practice guidelines for rehabilitation services for people with disabilities, and is conducting a survey to gather views of stakeholders. To participate in the survey go to: http://bit.ly/1pNwolS. A glossary is available to accompany the survey at: http://bit.ly/1p4WotC. Read the WCPT News article on the new WHO rehabilitation guidelines
Journal editors’ webinar
The International Society of Physiotherapy Journal Editors is looking for wide participation in its webinar on “Transparency in reporting clinical trials” on Tuesday 11th November 2014, at 11am GMT. Editors and academics will speak on the challenges of implementing clinical trial registration, and a new statement aimed at promoting better reporting of trials. For more information contact Christine Lin
Spine selfies for World Spine Day
World Spine Day takes place on 16th October and to raise awareness the organisers are asking people to take a picture of their spine and share it via social media using #worldspineday and #spineselfie.
Cervical manipulation
WCPT’s subgroup the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) has responded to a paper on cervical manipulation from the American Heart Association. The IFOMPT response states that incidents of stroke associated with cervical manipulation are rare and that physical therapists are prepared to identify the benefits and risks of neck manipulation for appropriate patients.
WCPT annual report
WCPT’s annual report for 2013 is now available. It highlights key activities the Confederation carried out and reports against its Strategic Plan for the four-year period 2011-2015, as decided by the Executive Committee in November 2011, with priorities and objectives incorporated from the General Meeting of June 2011.
Harvard course on global health
Harvard School of Public Health will be running a free online course focusing on quality and safety in global health services, starting on 16th September and running for eight weeks. The course will feature experts from around the world and will cover how to measure quality and how to improve it. Anyone with an internet connection can take part.