Reserved Area

adminofsite

National Cerebral Palsy Day: inclusion is everyone's right!

by

O National Cerebral Palsy DayCerebral Palsy Day, celebrated on 20 October, is an important milestone for people with Cerebral Palsy, their families and carers. Established in 2014 with the approval of Resolution 27/2014 by the Portuguese Parliament, this day is not only symbolic, but represents a crucial opportunity to increase visibility and give a voice to people with Cerebral Palsy. It is a date dedicated to raising awareness in civil society, emphasising the importance of respecting inclusion and actively defending the rights of these people.

Cerebral palsy results from a lesion in the central nervous system, with an impact on neuromotor development, which makes the condition permanent, although not progressive. Despite being an irreversible injury, with proper care, monitoring and intervention, such as the PhysiotherapyIn this way, it is possible to improve the participation, quality of life and functionality of people with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is the most common developmental condition in childhood, affecting around 2 out of every 1,000 children.

A Order of Physiotherapists associates itself with this day, highlighting the importance of physiotherapists in the care of people with cerebral palsy. Physiotherapists play a central role in the (re)habilitation process, promoting motor and functional development and creating opportunities for these people to participate fully in daily and social activities. The aim is always to maximise their independence, helping them to overcome any barriers they may encounter.

The purpose of this historic day is to reinforce the importance of ongoing support, not only for people with cerebral palsy, but also for their families, carers and health professionals, who work every day to improve their living conditions. Cerebral palsy should not be an obstacle to dreaming of the future or participating actively in society.

Order of Physiotherapists celebrates 5th anniversary with public event

by

On 30 September, the Order of Physiotherapists celebrated its 5th anniversary with a special event in Lisbon's Campo Pequeno garden. O Meeting Physiotherapy brought together professionals, public figures and the community in general, promoting Physiotherapy as an essential pillar in the health of the population.

The event included interactive activities, practical demonstrations and talks with special guests. The various areas of intervention in Physiotherapy, such as Oncology, Pelvic and Women's Health, Neurology, Physiotherapy in the context of Emergencies, Disasters and Humanitarian Action, Dermatofunctional, Musculoskeletal, Physiotherapy in People with Amputation and Patient Safety, were presented to the public by the Order's Working Groups, providing the audience with a comprehensive view of the importance of Physiotherapy in the healthcare system.

António Lopes, President of the Order of Physiotherapists, kicked off the celebrations by highlighting the importance of the continuous work of physiotherapists in Portugal. "We are celebrating the 5th anniversary of our Order, but the presence of Physiotherapists in Portugal goes back a long way. Today we are reaping the fruits of the seeds we have sown over the years," he emphasised, stressing the positive impact of Physiotherapy on the Portuguese population.

The event was also attended by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), represented by the Director of Services for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Miguel Telo de Arriaga, the president of the Avenidas Novas Parish Council, Daniel da Conceição Gonçalves da Silva, and the President of the Technical Admission Commission of the Order of Physiotherapists, Beatriz Fernandes, who came together to celebrate the vital role of physiotherapy in healthcare.

During the event, several personalities shared their testimonies about Physiotherapy, including Jaime Melancia, President of the Health in Dialogue Platform, Susana Silva, National Director of Firefighters at the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, and Paralympic athletes Telmo Pinão and Djibrilo Iafa. In addition, public figures such as actresses Leonor Seixas and Carla Andrino and Mega Hits Programming Director Nelson Cunha enriched the event with their life experiences, demonstrating the impact of Physiotherapy on recovery and health promotion.

To remember this special day, we've put together a photo gallery.

Order of Physiotherapists participates in the Congress and General Meeting of the World Physiotherapy Africa Region

by

As part of the project to develop physiotherapy in Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP), the Portuguese Association of Physiotherapists was present at the Congress and General Meeting of the PALOP. World Physiotherapy Africa RegionThe event took place between 12 and 15 September in Cape Town, South Africa. This project aims to strengthen the health, education and professional regulation infrastructure in the PALOP countries by promoting the creation of professional associations, the development of advanced training programmes and the implementation of licensing systems.

During the event, the Order played an active role, holding strategic meetings with various organisations, including the President of World Physiotherapy, Mike Landry, and the President of WP's African Region, Joseph Martial. There was also a specific meeting for the project, attended by representatives from Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe, demonstrating the Order's strong commitment to the development of Physiotherapy in the region.

One of the congress sessions included a public presentation of the project by physiotherapist Cláudia Costa, representing the Order of Physiotherapists together with physiotherapist Marco Clemente, who detailed the actions already carried out and future objectives. This exhibition gave the project greater visibility and facilitated the establishment of new contacts and partnerships, including with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and various NGOs, which have shown an interest in collaborating in the "Rehabilitation 2030" programme.

The Order's participation resulted in important advances, including international recognition of its leadership in supporting the development of Physiotherapy in the PALOP countries and the formalisation of a memorandum of understanding with the partner countries, defining the project's guidelines and next steps. The Order also reinforced the role of local partners as leaders in their countries, acting as a facilitator and supporting the strengthening of Physiotherapy associations.

This event represents a significant milestone in realising the project's objectives and strengthening relations between the Order of Physiotherapists and the international community. The Order will remain committed to promoting Physiotherapy and contributing to the development of the profession in Portuguese-speaking countries, with a view to collaboration and building a healthier future for all.

Seasonal Covid-19 vaccination for autumn/winter 2024-2025: information for physiotherapists

by

Physiotherapists are part of the group eligible for seasonal vaccination against COVID-19 in autumn-winter 2024-2025.

According to Standard no. 08/2024, of 05/09/2024, updated on 06/09/2024, of the Directorate-General for Health, in the groups eligible for seasonal booster vaccination against COVID-19 in autumn/winter 2024-2025, are covered "Professionals and users/residents in Residential Structures for the Elderly (ERPI) and similar institutions; National Integrated Continued Care Network (RNCCI) and prisons; People aged ≥60 years; People aged 5-59 years with risk pathologies (Table 4 and Table 5 - Annex I); People aged 6 months-4 years with severe and moderate immunosuppression conditions (Table 6 - Annex I); Pregnant women; Professionals in health services (public and private) and other health care providers, students in clinical training, firefighters involved in patient transport, carers of dependent people and pharmaceutical distribution professionals.

Vaccination should be organised at local level, with the Local Health Units (ULS), through the contacts listed on the portal Primary Health Care Identity Card (BI-CSP).  

The Order recalls that, as health professionals, physiotherapists must be accompanied by a valid professional card or a statement from their employer proving their professional activity.

More information at:  Seasonal Flu and Covid-19 Vaccination Campaign for Autumn/Winter 2024/2025

World Patient Safety Day: Order of Physiotherapists launches initiatives to improve diagnosis in Physiotherapy

by

Today, the 17th of September, marks the World Patient Safety DayThis year's theme is "Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety". In line with the World Health Organisation's choice, the Order of Physiotherapists, recognising the importance of ensuring accurate diagnosis for patient safety, is joining the initiative under the motto "Improving Diagnosis in Physiotherapy for Patient Safety" and is launching various initiatives to raise awareness and involve physiotherapists and the public.

  • One poster with the main ideas on the importance of diagnosis in physiotherapy, which you can see here
  • One questionnaire physiotherapists on safety culture, to assess and reinforce safe practice in everyday life
  • O video "Improving Diagnosis in Physiotherapy for Patient Safety"emphasising that correct, timely and safe diagnosis contributes to improving patient safety
  • O video "Your Health, Your Voice", emphasising the importance of involving the patient in their safety and recovery process.

A Order of Physiotherapists reinforces its commitment to patient safety, emphasising that an accurate diagnosis and clear communication between the professional and the patient are fundamental pillars in guaranteeing the provision of safe, quality physiotherapy care.

For more information on World Patient Safety Day 2024, you can consult the Directorate-General for Health, which has various national materials and initiatives available, as well as the "Patient Safety Bill of Rights"which is part of this year's communication campaign. To find out more, visit the DGS website via this link link.

World Pregnancy Day: The importance of physiotherapy in women's health

by

Today, the 9th of September, marks the World Pregnancy DayThis is a date that highlights the importance of specialised care during pregnancy and the postpartum period. A Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in monitoring pregnant women, promoting well-being and preventing pelvic dysfunctions that can arise during this period.

Physiotherapists trained in Women's and Pelvic Health have the ability to educate, assess and treat dysfunctions that can affect women during pregnancy and after childbirth.

During pregnancy and the postpartum period, the most common conditions that can be monitored by physiotherapists include training women for the different stages of follow-up in high-risk pregnancies, teaching pain relief strategies, creating exercise programmes for a healthy pregnancy, and physical recovery after different types of birth. These interventions help not only to improve the pregnant woman's quality of life, but also to prevent future complications.

A3 poster e  A4 poster

What's more, the Physiotherapy can work in situations such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and post-surgery recovery, promoting women's general well-being and quality of life.

 To mark the World Pregnancy DayThe Order of Physiotherapists has prepared an information poster in the following formats A3 e A4on low back pain, the focus of the World Day of Physiotherapyin pregnant women and in the postpartum period, emphasising how the Physiotherapy can be a fundamental resource for relieving pain and promoting recovery.

SPLIT programme lays foundations for expansion as part of World Physiotherapy Day

by

As part of the World Day of Physiotherapy (8th September), which this year focuses on the low back pain (low back pain) and the role of physiotherapy in its assessment and treatment, the Order of Physiotherapists, in partnership with the School of Health of the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, is starting the expansion of the SPLIT programmewhich is aligned with the Directorate-General for Health's National Health Plan 2030.

SPLIT, which has already been developed and implemented in the Arrábida Health Centre Grouping - ARSLVT, is an innovative programme in the field. assessment and treatment of low back pain.

It uses a screening tool that classifies individuals with episodes of low back pain into three categories of risk of developing persistent and disabling symptoms (low, medium and high), and which showed promising results in the pilot study.

In a sample of around 500 users in this programme, 6 months after the initial consultation, was reduced, at around 80%, the likelihood of having persistent and disabling low back pain.

Also in terms of prescription of complementary diagnostic means and medication, this programme has enabled reduce each of these indicators by around 30%.

Recently, the SPLIT programme was selected for the 1st phase of the Sustainable Health Pact 2030as part of the process of implementing the National Health Plan 2030coordinated by the Directorate-General for Health, a collaborative and multisectoral process that guides and influences public policies and interventions with an impact on health in Portugal.

This initial implementation phase will focus on expanding the programme to other health units in Portugal that already have integrated physiotherapists.

To this end, in this next phase of the process, potential stakeholders will be identified and consulted, in various regions of the country, with the aim of train physiotherapistsfrom first semester of 2025This will ensure that more users can benefit from this innovative approach to treating low back pain.

The Order of Physiotherapists launches the Social Solidarity Fund

by

O Social Solidarity Fund is a support programme of the Order of Physiotherapists aimed at helping physiotherapists and their families who face situations of socio-economic vulnerability.

The main objective is to provide social support to physiotherapists and guarantee access to the minimum conditions of personal and family dignity. All physiotherapists with active membership of the Order who are demonstrably in financial difficulties, deprived of means of subsistence, or who face situations of incapacity resulting from accidents or other events that jeopardise their household's livelihood are eligible.

The Order of Physiotherapists remains committed to promoting the minimum conditions of dignity for its more than 12,000 members, reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of all professionals.

Interested parties can apply for this support using the form available at reserved area members.

Consult the Regulations of the Social Solidarity Fund of the Order of Physiotherapists  here .

Order of Physiotherapists highlights the importance of World Humanitarian Day

by

A Order of Physiotherapists signals the World Humanitarian Dayis celebrated on 19 August as a date of great importance for the physiotherapy community and an opportunity to underline the essential role of physiotherapists. Physiotherapy in situations of emergency, disaster and humanitarian action.

The Order of Physiotherapists' commitment to preparing professionals to work in these contexts has been reflected in various initiatives, including the launch of the first postgraduate course in Physiotherapy Emergency, Disaster and Humanitarian Action. This pioneering international training is designed to provide physiotherapists with the necessary skills to intervene effectively in crisis situations, where physical rehabilitation plays a key role in the recovery of affected populations. As part of this effort, and as previously shared, the Order also recently received a visit from a consultant from the World Health Organisation (WHO), who provided specialised training for the physiotherapists attending the postgraduate course.

In addition, the Order of Physiotherapists formalised a cooperation protocol with the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority in March of this year, reinforcing the integration of physiotherapists in Portugal's emergency response systems. This agreement lays the foundations for closer and more effective cooperation, ensuring that Physiotherapy is recognised as an essential component in multidisciplinary responses to disaster situations.

Signalling the World Humanitarian DayThe Order of Physiotherapists reiterates its commitment to preparing and training physiotherapists to work in critical contexts, ensuring that their contribution is maximised and valued in times of great need.

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