Management Newsfeed

Allied Health Professionals online tool to improve patient care

Allied health professionals
Quality of patient care
Cost effectiveness

NHS Networks

2012

A new series of online tools has been launched, which will help the NHS identify how therapists can intervene at different stages of a patient’s condition to improve patient care whilst saving on costs. The Strategic Health Authority Allied Health Professional Leads for England have worked with NHS London who compiled the toolkits. Physiotherapists, dietitians, podiatrists, speech and language therapists could have an impact on care for people with diabetes, cancer, musculoskeletal problems and stroke survivors. For example, using podiatrists to help treat patients with diabetes can lead to a drop in foot ulcers and distressing foot amputations. There are almost 5,000 leg, foot or toe amputations in England every year and each one costs the NHS around £65,000. Investing in providing integrated foot care and bringing this number down could save the NHS almost £300 million. Toolkits: http://www.networks.nhs.uk/nhs-networks/ahp-networks/ahp-qipp-toolkits DH press release: http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=46&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=423771&SubjectId=36

East Midlands Strategic Health Authority