Profile boost for case management research
The importance of research in case management is being promoted with the launch of a new initiative.
The Journal Club, launched by CMSUK, is encouraging case managers to engage with research as a way to increase their depth of knowledge, helping to develop their specialism and expertise further still. Case managers will be encouraged to read research papers and other evidence in key areas of work, with The Journal Club providing a forum for discussion and analysis, as well as support in analysing and interpreting documents. The Journal Club, set to be launched next month, is a first-of-its-kind initiative, which builds on CMSUK’s commitment to supporting research.
What once was a ‘hell no’ is now a ‘yes please’
Eky Popat, of BIS Services, on supporting people with brain injury in the daunting world of online dating.
Isolation, loneliness, lack of social interaction and intimacy – the social norm following the Pandemic, right? Even more so for the vulnerable like individuals living with a Brain Injury living independently in the community. The dating scene has always been an extremely daunting and challenging step with individuals battling loss of self, low self-esteem, and then on the other side of the spectrum egocentric, inappropriate behaviours, and disinhibition. What this pandemic has quickly shown us is that social interaction and relationships - what seems a distant memory is the backbone of a sense of belonging.
Providing vital support to people like Jimmy
NeuroActiveUK was established after the lack of specialist support became [...]
Simple eye test could provide early Parkinson’s diagnosis
Researchers have potentially made major progress in improving Parkinson's diagnosis - all through a basic eye test.
Around 145,000 people in the UK live with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), Parkinson's UK says. This affects over 1 million people, however, when taking into account repercussions for families, friends and colleagues. Currently there is no test which enables clinicians to conclusively diagnose the condition; with the patient’s medical history and symptoms typically being assessed.
US study finds anxiety speeds up onset of dementia
Dementia is one of the most common neurological conditions in the UK - and is on the rise, amid an ageing population. An estimated 1.5 million people in the UK will have the condition by 2040, the Alzheimer's Society says.
Another condition becoming more widespread is anxiety, with the Mental Health Foundation estimating over eight million cases in the UK currently. But could these two conditions be linked? According to a new study from the US, experiencing symptoms of anxiety could lead to a faster onset of Alzheimer's.
Researchers advance understanding of changes caused by neurological conditions
Researchers have made advances in studying how the brain re-wires itself in neurological disease, which could yield breakthroughs in rehabilitation and therapy as a result.
Previously, scientific knowledge has revealed that the polio virus affects the spinal cord, but not the brain. However, a team from Trinity College Dublin has now discovered previously unknown changes also occurring in the brain networks. The findings suggest, say the team, that brain networks engage in an abnormal but active communication with muscles in patient groups studied.
UK-first rehab centre to open in early 2021
A groundbreaking neurorehabilitation centre which uses outdoor activities as a basis for its rehab has confirmed its long-awaited opening date.
Calvert Reconnections is the UK’s first intensive acquired brain injury (ABI) rehabilitation centre which offers a unique approach to rehab for its residents.
Based on the outskirts of Keswick, in the Lake District, it takes advantage of its location by offering a programme of outdoor-based activities, all tailored around the needs of the individual.
Ongoing COVID-19 restrictions have meant the opening of Calvert Reconnections has been delayed on two occasions this year, but it has now been confirmed that the centre will finally open its doors in spring.
“We can’t wait to open in Spring 2021,” says centre director, Sean Day.
“2020 has been immensely difficult for everyone, but better times are on the horizon.
Medal-winning paralysed cyclist aims to raise £1 million for spinal stimulation research
A paraplegic cyclist has utilised the power of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to pedal his way to second place at the annual Cybathlon. Now, he’s embarking on another journey to raise £1 million to fund research on spinal stimulation; a treatment method which aims to improve the recovery and function of people with paralysis.
Following a trampolining accident in 2011 at the age of 16, Johnny Beer (AKA BionicBeer), was paralysed from the chest down.
Almost ten years later, the 25-year-old has snatched the silver medal at the Cybathlon 2020 FES Bike Race. BionicBeer powered his bike using Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), a method which contracts paralysed muscles using small electrical charges.
Electrodes are placed on the skin through which an electrical current is passed. This effectively replaces the nervous system stimulus that is lost when someone is paralysed.
‘We could resume some normality but should we?’
In the latest in our series of Q&A features with case managers to assess the impact of the pandemic, here Louise Sheffield of Active Case Management shares her thoughts and experiences. Can you summarise how the past few months have been for you. This year has been a strange one! There was a swift acceleration from the virus starting to be on my radar to it being upon us. It was a whirlwind and we had to think very quickly, with very limited information to make sure that colleagues safety was maintained and clients were looked after.
