Reserved Area

Month: June 2024

Meeting at the Ministry of Health discusses training in emergency contexts

by

This Thursday, A meeting of the President of the Order of Physiotherapists, António Lopes, was held at the Ministry of Health, with the presence of the Director-General of Health, Rita Sá Machado, who attended on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health.

The Order of Physiotherapists requested this meeting, motivated by the visit of physiotherapist Peter Edwin Skelton, a consultant for the World Health Organisation (WHO), to our country. Skelton is giving training to physiotherapists who are part of the postgraduate programme in preparation for intervention in emergency contexts, disasters and humanitarian action, both nationally and internationally.

The meeting was also attended by physiotherapists Maria da Lapa Rosado, Carla Gentil Homem and Dylan Gonçalves, members of the Physiotherapy in Emergency, Disaster and Humanitarian Action Working Group.

Close collaboration with the "RehabCop" team is a vital part of this initiative, within the framework of the WHO's Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) and the European rescEU project, part of the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism. The work of Physiotherapists in these contexts aims to improve the speed and quality of the health services provided by Medical Teams, as well as increasing the capacity of health systems to activate and coordinate rapid responses immediately after disasters, outbreaks and other emergencies.

This meeting emphasises the importance of the preparation and continuous training of health professionals to face the challenges and guarantee an effective and coordinated response in these contexts.

"Towards a Better Health Information System at the Service of the People" - National Health Council document in public consultation

by

Earlier this month, the 6th National Health Council Forum at the António de Almeida Santos Auditorium in the Portuguese Parliament. The event was attended by President António Lopes.

The aim of the forum was to launch a public debate to reform the health information systemthrough the report "Towards a Better Health Information System for People". O National Health Council (CNS) reports on critical areas of health in Portugal and, in this edition, the focus was on the information system.

This document compiles contributions from all the councillors, both individuals and the organisations to which they belong, systematising the perspectives and consensus reached. It identifies constraints and difficulties in the different levels and contexts of care, as well as potential opportunities for improvement to increase the quality of healthcare through a more effective, patient-centred system.

Press release from the Order of Physiotherapists

This report is available for debate and public consultation until 3 August 2024. You can consult here.

The video at the presentation session of the document in Parliament.

World Physiotherapy Congress - Dates for abstract submission

by

The Order of Physiotherapists, as a member of World Physiotherapy (WP), invites all Physiotherapists to submit abstracts for the next World Congress of Physiotherapy until the day 3 October. The event will take place from 29 to 31 May 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.

This prestigious international scientific congress, organised biennially by WP, brings together experts and colleagues from all over the world to exchange and share innovations and ideas on research, education, management, ethics and clinical practice, and their implications for the profession.

The criteria for selecting abstracts are as follows:

  • Presentation of the latest research with original scientific data (special interest reports and case studies may be presented);
  • Addressing new and unique developments in practice, theory, education, management, policy and resources;
  • Description of innovative ways of adapting established methods to meet the changing needs of practice.

Support Programme

All interested parties who need help have at their disposal a support programme until 16 September. The aim of this programme is to help authors present their material in a clear and concise way, through feedback and useful advice, before submitting their abstracts.

This programme can be especially useful for those who need support with scientific writing in English, do not have local/national research support networks or have little experience in presenting this type of work.

The abstracts must be submitted by 3rd October 2024 (here).

Order of Physiotherapists announces 2nd edition of the Best Ideas in Healthcare Award

by

The Order of Physiotherapists announces the 2nd edition of the Best Ideas in Healthcare AwardThis is an initiative promoted by the Portuguese Medical Association with the support of global business and technology consultancy NTT DATA. This award aims to encourage the development of innovative ideas that can improve the healthcare system in Portugal.

O Best Ideas in Healthcare Award is open to all citizens, whether national or foreign, as long as they are organised in groups of two to five. It is a mandatory requirement that each group includes at least one doctor registered with the Portuguese Medical Association, and the creation of multidisciplinary teams with other health professionals, such as physiotherapists, is encouraged.

With a clear objective of improving the quality of healthcare and integrating technology into the development of new diagnostic and treatment solutions, the prize offers a monetary value of 5,000 euros. In addition, the winning team will receive a consultancy grant to help speed up the implementation of the idea.

 

Deadlines and applications

Interested parties can consult the regulations and submit their applications until the following day 30th Junevia the website best ideas-healthcare.co.uk. For more information, go to  nttdata.com

The Order of Physiotherapists encourages its members to take part and publicise this initiative, whose mission is to combine different skills to create disruptive solutions in healthcare. The involvement of physiotherapists in multidisciplinary teams can be crucial for innovation in the healthcare system.

Olympic Day and the importance of Physiotherapy in Sport

by

On 23 June 1948, the International Olympic Committee was founded in Paris, marking the birth of the Modern Olympic Games. Since then, this date has been celebrated by millions of people around the world.

The celebration involves more than 150 National Olympic Committees and is characterised by the promotion and holding of sporting and training events and activities, in line with the Olympic Values: Excellence, Friendship and Respect. It also aims to spread a message of peace and unity, promoting ideas such as inclusion, equality, diversity, perseverance and team spirit.

Sport thus has a unique historical importance, acting as a link that unites cultures and peoples globally. In this global context, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in ensuring athletes' physical health and optimal performance, helping to ensure that the practice of sport remains a unifying force in contemporary society.

Physiotherapy intervention in sport 

The Physiotherapist is a recognised health professional in sport, with advanced skills in the promotion and safe practice of sport and physical activity in generalas well as in education and adaptation of intervention and training.

The aim of this professional is to prevent injuries and contribute to optimising the sporting performance of athletes of all ages and abilities, based on high standards of practice and professional ethics.

He stands out for his role as an influencer and active consultant in decisions and in publicising and promoting the profession among the sports population and society in general. The support he provides to the athlete is of the utmost importance, alongside the coach, and he is involved in the planning and implementation of mobility, strength, coordination and respiratory capacity trainingin addition to counselling and adaptation of support products/playing materials.

With the support of a physiotherapist, sportspeople, especially those at the top of their game, benefit from a crucial monitoring to optimise your performance in a safe and healthy way.

Early summer

by

With the start of the bathing season and holidays, physical activity increases significantly, including hiking, sightseeing, summer festivals and extreme sports. However, with the high summer temperatures, it's essential to take extra care and be mindful of your body's limits.

Here are some recommendations:

  • Choose your clothes appropriately: wear a sun hat, favour light, light fabrics, opt for comfortable shoes and avoid carrying bags with excessive weight;
  • Always stay hydrated, ideally by drinking water before, during and after sports practice;
  • Protect yourself from the sun: avoid peak sunlight hours (between 12pm and 4pm), apply sunscreen regularly and look for shaded and ventilated places to exercise;
  • Give preference to even surfaces when walking on sand to avoid muscle and joint injuries;
  • Opt for showers with colder water to help the muscles recover after physical exertion.

When new adventures and experiences present risks, it is essential to take extra precautions to avoid sprains, tendonitis and minor muscle tears. In these cases, we recommend:

  • Apply local cold to prevent inflammation and reduce pain;
  • When applying ice, do not apply it directly to the skin to avoid burns;
  • Apply a comprehensive compressive bandage to protect the area of injury.

Physiotherapy plays a fundamental role in maintaining physical health and preventing injuries, especially during periods of increased sporting activity such as the summer. It is advisable to consult a Physiotherapist before starting intense physical activities to develop a personalised prevention and treatment plan, thus ensuring that you can make the most of the summer season in a safe and healthy way.

World Children's Day: The crucial role of physiotherapists in guaranteeing rights and quality healthcare

by

On 1 June, we celebrate World Children's Day, a date dedicated to raising awareness about the rights and well-being of children around the world. The Declaration of the Rights of the Child, proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1386 (XIV) of 20 November 1959, highlights the importance of guaranteeing all children, without exception, the protection and care necessary for their well-being. In this context, physiotherapy plays a fundamental role in supporting children and their families, especially those with special needs.

Through personalised, child- and family-centred care, physiotherapists play a vital role in promoting the development, participation and quality of life of children facing neuromotor, respiratory or developmental challenges.

Physiotherapy: A Fundamental Right for Children with Special Needs

Principle 4 of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child states that "the child should enjoy social security and good health. To this end, special care shall be provided for the child and the mother, including prenatal and postnatal care. The child has the right to adequate food, housing, recreation and medical services." Physiotherapy, as an essential component of healthcare, is crucial to ensuring that all children, especially those with special needs, can reach their full potential.

Physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques to assess and treat children with various conditions, promoting mobility, independence and full participation in everyday life. Early intervention, often started soon after birth, is the key to preventing future complications and maximising functional gains.

Many families have inspiring stories about how physiotherapy has transformed their children's lives. Children who once had limited mobility are now able to participate fully in school activities, play with friends and develop essential life skills. These results are the fruit of the commitment and skills of Physiotherapists, who work closely with paediatricians, educators and other health professionals.

Commitment to the Future

On World Children's Day, it is essential to recognise and value the role of Physiotherapists in building a future where all children, regardless of their limitations, can enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life. The Order of Physiotherapists reaffirms its commitment to continue fighting to guarantee quality healthcare, promoting the continuous training of our professionals and raising awareness in society of the importance of physiotherapy.

On 1 June, let's celebrate not only children, but also all the health professionals who, through their tireless work, ensure that children's rights are fully respected and realised.

Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas Logo Branco
Facebook Linkedin Instagram Youtube

USEFUL LINKS

CONTACTS

© Order of Physiotherapists. All rights reserved.

Legal notices
Privacy Notice

Pedro Maciel Barbosa

Specialist physiotherapist at the Matosinhos Local Health Unit Sub-coordinator for Primary Health Care, Matosinhos Local Health Unit Visiting Assistant Professor at the Porto School of Health Member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Health - SNS Member of the General Council of the Order of Physiotherapists

Carlos Sand

Carlos Areia has been a physiotherapist since 2013, and has worked in various hospitals, clinics and clubs in both Portugal and the UK. He began his academic career at Oxford University in 2016, where he led a clinical trial comparing physiotherapy vs surgery in anterior cruciate injuries in 32 hospitals in England. In 2018 she moved to the neurosciences department, where she developed her own studies on remote monitoring of vital signs, which were implemented during the pandemic. Here he discovered his passion for data, and in 2022, he joined Digital Science as a Data Scientist. He completed his PhD earlier this year, and has more than 60 publications in journals such as The Lancet, BMJ, Cochrane, among others. He is also an honorary lecturer at Oxford Brookes University and a consultant in clinical research.

Eduardo José Brazete Carvalho Cruz

PhD in Physiotherapy from the University of Brighton, UK. Post-Doctorate in Epidemiology from the National School of Public Health at the New University of Lisbon.
Coordinator of the Studies and Planning Office of the Order of Physiotherapists. Coordinating Professor of the Physiotherapy Department of the School of Health of the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal (ESS-IPS). President of the ESS-IPS Technical-Scientific Council. Coordinator of the Physiotherapy Department at ESS-IPS. Integrated Researcher at the Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC) (a partnership between FCM-UNL, the National School of Public Health, the University of Évora, the Lisbon Institute of Global Mental Health and Santo Espírito Hospital, Terceira Island, Azores).

Sara Souto Miranda

Sara Souto Miranda has a bachelor's and master's degree in physiotherapy from the University of Aveiro, and a postgraduate qualification in adult respiratory physiotherapy from the same institution. In 2023 she completed her double doctorate in Rehabilitation Sciences/Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at the Universities of Aveiro and Maastricht (Netherlands) and is currently working as a technical-scientific advisor to the Studies and Planning Office (GEP) of the Order of Physiotherapists, and as a guest lecturer at the Piaget Institute in Vila Nova de Gaia. As a member of the Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation Laboratory at the University of Aveiro (Lab3R), she has carried out applied research in which she has assessed and treated patients with respiratory pathology, having taken part in 6 research projects. Throughout her career she has published 19 scientific articles in international peer-reviewed journals with an impact factor, 1 book chapter and more than 50 abstracts in conference proceedings. She was a research volunteer at the Ciro rehabilitation centre (Centre for expertise in chronic organ failure) in the Netherlands, and is currently a member of the Guideline Methodology Network of European Respiratory Society. She was honoured by European Lung Foundation e European Respiratory Society for carrying out patient-centred research, by the Directorate General for Higher Education with a merit grant for his master's degree, and by the Ciro Centre with a grant to support research abroad.

This site uses cookies to enable a better user experience.
By browsing the site you are consenting to its use.

What are cookies?
Accept