The Development of the Eahad Physiotherapists Committee

Abstract

Introduction: September 2015 saw the agreement by the EAHAD executive committee to proceed with the establishment of a Physiotherapists Committee. The purpose of the group is to improve the quality of care to patients with haemophilia throughout Europe by enhancing physiotherapy and musculoskeletal services as a core component of the comprehensive care team.

Methods: The founding 4 members of the committee met in July 2015 to discuss both the terms of reference, as well as a 3‐year strategy for the group. Discussions highlighted that membership of the committee should reflect and represent the geographical spread of the EAHAD community. Individuals were identified from all European regions and invited to participate. A physio specific EAHAD email address was used to collate clinician details as they made contact. The main objectives identified in the strategy document were to:

1. Determine the current position of physiotherapy services for people with haemophilia throughout Europe

2. Establish and maintain an EAHAD physiotherapy network

3. Increase physiotherapy involvement in EAHAD congresses

4. Produce an evidence‐informed set of recommended standards of practice for haemophilia physiotherapy care

5. Improve knowledge and training of physiotherapists in haemophilia care

6. Develop a forum for facilitating Pan‐European physiotherapy initiated multidisciplinary research

Results: The committee now consists of 7 members. 37 physiotherapists from 15 regions of Europe have made contact and expressed interest in the project. A co‐ordinator has been assigned for each region, their role being critical in disseminating information and involving each geographical area in the work of the committee. The physiotherapists committee is collaborating closely with the nurses committee in shared educational activities. This has successfully resulted in a new ‘pre‐congress day’ at EAHAD 2017 specifically for both professions.

Discussion/Conclusion: The positive response and interest from physiotherapists across Europe to the call for contact has been very encouraging. This, coupled with the support from EAHAD to the inclusion and development of a specific Physiotherapists committee, bodes well for the ongoing work of the group. This ultimately will help to make physiotherapy more visible, improve physiotherapy provision across Europe and create opportunities for research, to the benefit of patients and service users.