CPIP-SW Update
Anna Jones, physiotherapist in West Dorset and one of the South West CPIP regional reps, updates us on local CPIPSW developments
CPIPSW is made up of a group of physiotherapists, paediatricians and orthopaedic surgeons that represent each region of the South West. Together, we are striving to support each other and make CPIP (Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway) happen across the South West. Our area runs from Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset, through to Wiltshire, Gloucester, Bristol, Swindon and up to West Dorset. The regional CPIP representatives for the area are Anna Jones and Rachel Rapson who can be contacted through the APCP and are happy to answer any CPIP related questions.
The group currently meet twice a year, most recently virtually on Thursday 15th October 2020. This was a well-attended meeting where best practice and experiences were shared with the group. Area CPIP leads attending these meetings are encouraged to share developments within their local teams following each meeting.
Our annual scoping questionnaire was completed by those attending. This allows us to review how each area is moving forward with CPIP in the SW, what the barriers are, and how to support each other. It provides us with information to help take funding forward. This year, we have a total of around 1500 children on our caseloads. A total of 266 children are on the database so far. In addition to this, we have completed CPIP clinical measures for a further 201 children since October 2019. I think this is a fantastic achievement, as it is significantly more than a year ago (n=68), plus we have been contending with covid. There are 6 regions flagged as red (not doing measures or using database), but of these, 2 regions have measured 7 children between them in pilot clinics. There are also 6 regions in amber (doing measures but not using database), with Bristol and S Gloucestershire in the green (measuring and database in use). Reasons cited for not measuring were training issues, no information governance approval and lack of funding/staffing/time. Feedback from those using CPIP has been positive so far. Orthopaedics are finding that it reduces clinic wait times and allows more timely and appropriate referrals. Therapists are finding that CPIP is a useful tool to guide clinical reasoning and goal setting for individual children and it is also helping to prioritise intervention.
Funding developments were discussed. CQUINs have been awarded to centres around the UK for CPIP, with the closest being Bristol and Southampton for our region. We are looking into whether the region can meet the CQUIN requirements and move forward with the monies it supplies to fund CPIP for the SW. At present, a small pot of money from this is being used to help tackle the database set up and information governance difficulties that have been encountered with this. Ali Wilson, physio from Bristol, is taking a lead on this.
As some of you may have seen, the way CPIP training is being delivered is changing. Train the trainer courses are now obsolete. Training packages for CPIP have been updated by a sub group of the CPIP National Committee. The CPIP National Committee has redrafted the CPIP trainer and trainee competencies and quality assurances too. Applications to be a CPIP trainer can now be sent directly to your regional rep. Myself, Rachel and Ali are looking to co-ordinate this for the region.
The CPIP National Conference “The 1st Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway UK Meeting”was cancelled this year due to the pandemic, but we are excited to announce a new date of 18th June 2021 to take place in Liverpool. It is looking like there is a great line up of international speakers and should be an exciting event. A call for abstracts will be out soon. Save the date and spread the word!
The CPIP website has also now been launched. It is hoped this will be a useful resource for medical professionals and children/young people with cp and their families. It is currently work in progress and any feedback is always welcome. Please take a look at www.cpipuk.org.
Please get in touch if you have any questions.
Anna Jones
CPIPSW region rep
Paediatric Physiotherapist, Dorset County Hospital
anna.jones@dchft.nhs.uk