Don’t just wait… motivate!

Patients referred for physiotherapy can help themselves while they wait for an appointment in an initiative by Cwm Taf University Health Board.

 

The ‘Don’t just wait…. motivate’ scheme allows patients to access advice and recommended exercises via the board’s physiotherapy website ahead of their scheduled appointment date.

 

Patients can be assessed either in person or over the phone, and if suitable, they are guided to the physiotherapy website.

 

A leaflet is also available for patients who would prefer it and they are supported by the physiotherapy department throughout.

 

The initiative was the idea of physiotherapist Kelly Brown, who together with her team, started compiling information for the website and leaflet.

 

Kelly said: “After referral to physiotherapy, patients are placed on a waiting list.

 

“Waiting times vary, but why wait doing nothing?  If you are able to start the ball rolling and exercise then that’s of great benefit to the patient.

 

“We are here to offer advice, and we wouldn’t ask anyone to do any exercise that wasn’t suitable for them.  It’s important to say that this does not delay the patient’s appointment in any way.

 

“This is a new direction for us to take, and feedback from patients has told us that it is proving successful.  We are hoping it will be successful in giving patients some control and direction in managing their problem while they are awaiting an appointment.”

 

If you require any further information about this initiative please contact Kelly.brown@wales.nhs.uk