Ann Hunter

NHS Trusts in Practice

This book makes no apology for combining various styles and differing views of the recent NHS reforms. The first half of the book is devoted mainly to the composition, role and characteristics of trust boards which though interesting may not have too much relevance to physiotherapy managers. Edward Peck’s observation on their aspirations and his assessment on their effectiveness might reassure or disappoint depending on personal experience of the effectiveness of trust boards. His conclusion seems to be that they have little effect on the organisation of the trust. As more physiotherapists are dealing directly with purchasers the perspectives from the purchaser and the provider give useful insight into perception of one by the other which may help with contract management. A disappointed Eric Caines explores missed opportunities in the development of trusts. The final chapters of the book give a sober assessment and words of caution on assuming that trusts will all be successful and that all the changes are over. Physiotherapy managers will gain good insight into the workings and philosophies of trusts from this book and it is to be recommended as an interesting read in the trudmedical library rather than the physiotherapy department library.

Skill Mix for the Millennium

Skill mix is defined by Bevan and collegues as identifying the range of tasks and responsibilities involved in providing care within a particular specialty, what levels are involved, and therefore who is appropriate to carry them out. Different skill mixes may therefore be appropriate to different clinical areas. The term skill mix itself implies a process of review leading to change in roles and responsibilities. This is usually associated with a more integrated approach to health care, putting more emphasis on team working. The desire to improve patient care should be the main impetus for reviewing and re-profiling, not the wish to reduce costs or to provide a lower quality of care.

Quality and Excellence in Human Services

Inevitably, reading is one of the requirements to be undergone. To improve the performance and quality, someone needs to have something new every day. It will suggest you to have more inspirations, then. However, the needs of inspirations will make you searching for some sources. Even from the other people experience, internet, and many books. Books and internet are the recommended media to help you improving your quality and performance.

Physical Therapy Protocols

These procedures are utilized for patients with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, also known as posterior tibial tendon insufficiency, and which are typically in the Stage II classification. This stage includes those people with a unilateral/asymmetric and progressive flatfoot deformity due to dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon. The entity is often associated with a contracture of the tendo-Achilles complex. Surgical management has progressed over the last several years, and no longer is an isolated tendon transfer utilized, but rather the soft tissue reconstruction performed is supported with some type of bone corrective procedure. The most common one now utilized is a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy that improves the posture of the arch, provides support for the soft tissue reconstruction, and medializes the Achilles tendon. Occasionally this procedure is performed with an Achilles tendon lengthening.