The Posture and Mobility Group run an annual National Training Event (NTE).  The NTE is a key means by which PMG support the dissemination of knowledge and promotion of best practice regarding the posture and mobility needs of people with disabilities. This event includes an exhibition by manufacturers and suppliers and a variety of plenary presentations, free papers and seminars.

The Posture and Mobility Group
National Training Event will be held on
11th – 13th April 2012

Booking for the NTE 2012 can be found at www.pmguk.co.uk/booking_manager/

Sharing Best Practice

There are times when listening to others present at study days and conferences, I feel motivated and inspired.
And there are other times I think, “ummm I know lots about that and could have presented the subject myself”. At these times, I feel slightly disappointed for not having put myself forward.
There are also times when I have been asked to present and I perhaps think “but I don’t know enough to present to an audience”.
At times like this, these thoughts should move me into action, to consider submitting more articles and abstracts for presentation.

I am sure you all, like me, have moments of both inspiration and trepidation. It is hard to keep positive thoughts and feelings fresh, and continue to feel motivated about the work we do every day, especially if you are working in the current NHS climate.
It is very easy to become complacent about the value of our work, however simple it may seem. However, we all do valuable work for our clients and services, and most are very modest about this, feeling it is just our job.

I believe everyone reading this will be able to think of one clinical case, or service development topic, that is inventive or innovative: or of an unusual clinical condition that would be interesting and informative for others. I know from the feedback at NTE that case study presentations are really popular and are an excellent way to share good ideas and innovation.

Free papers and posters are not just about research or number crunching. It is important for us as professionals to share good practice and to be proud of the contribution we make in our work. Clinical case studies are a really good way of doing this and an excellent way to positively reflect on our practice.

As a committee we would like to have lots of abstracts from which to choose a selection for the audience, but often we struggle because of the low numbers of abstracts submitted. Remember though, you don’t have to submit as an individual - you can submit and present as a team if this is appropriate.

There are a number of other benefits to presenting a free paper:

• the increase in networking with others who hear your work
• the value for your CPD portfolio and personal CV
• and, of course, the chance to win a prize at PMG NTE!

Come on, get thinking and get writing….

Kirsty-Ann Cutler
NTE Sub- committee chair