It has been very interesting reading all your Blogs; it is great getting a bit of an insight into what others are up to and experiences on all sorts of different placements – thanks!!
Well this week was pretty quiet for me on prac, so I don’t have that much to contribute….and yes one does get a bit more confident in time about clinical judgments!!
Something that has struck me these past weeks working with mainly medical patients; exacerbation of COPD, bronchiectasis etc, is that physio treatments do actually work! I know that sounds a bit strange, but there was a part of me that wondered about all that deep breathing and huffing, and how could it really help. But… having taught and completed ACBT with almost all my patients I have been pleasantly surprised to see that they do cough/huff up more sputum (mmm – a bitter sweet experience!), their sats do improve, you can hear the difference on auscultation and patients actually feel better. The small volume hunting and gathering huff, and then large volume huff bit also works amazingly well! So the classic situation of “ I don’t believe it until I see it” has made me more confident about physiotherapy treatments in general, that we actually can make a huge difference in patients’ outcomes and lives. An encouraging thought as we continue our studies and are about to embark on physiotherapy careers! Enjoy your 3rd and shorter week!!
2 comments:
Hey Claire,
We seem to be on similar placements at the moment! I understand what you are saying when you say that it is nice to see that techniques we have learned can actually be put to good use. For example, while CF pts have generally had exposure to physio forever! we are still very beneficial to them with their ACBT's (although primarily with the vibe/perc that we can provide). It is always good to see that desired change that we assess/re-assess for, in whatever area one is working! It's amazing too what a little motivation (if able to conjure up - either you or the pt!) can do for one's exercise tolerance! Enjoy the short week!
Donelle
Indeed I had the same experience with percussion in my cardio placement, clearing heaps of sputum that the patient was unable to on her own in an exacerbation of bronchiectasis.
This placement I have used lateral flexion PPIVMS opening up movements to reduce neural sensitivity of the sciatic nerve travelling down into the leg, I try not to look suprised when the patient says they feel better or there is no pain.
I guess it seems such a simple concept and movement to be able to make such a difference.
Happy treating!
Jill
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