Our new practice note supports good postural care in services for adults and older people and we are encouraging staff, providers and visiting professionals to download it and use it within settings.
It gives guidance on supporting good postural care, and outlines the benefits and why it is important. It is aligned with best practice and the NHS NES strategy produced in April 2023 and available on Turas: Your posture matters, A strategic approach to taking care of it together.
The practice note tells services in a clear and straightforward way what we expect them to put in place and how good postural support can meet the Health and Social Care Standards as well as our quality themes and indicators. It also includes links to further information and resources.
We have designed it so it can be used as a standalone document or as a PowerPoint presentation.
Michelle Morrison, chair of the Scottish Postural Care Forum says:
"I welcome this practice note. People with movement difficulties spend longer in one position as they are often reliant on others to change it. If these positions are unsupported, the body becomes more fixed, which can adversely affect functional ability, communication and health.
The practice note will support all agencies working in partnership with the person and their family on every aspect of care to best ensure safety and promote wellbeing. Education and learning are integral to successfully protecting body shape, and I encourage all practitioners to access and complete the TURAS learning pages linked in the practice note."
Lynsey Kemlo, senior improvement adviser (AHP) at the Care Inspectorate says:
“I think this practice note will support good postural care for all who need it. It is really clear about how good practice meets quality standards and it highlights further learning opportunities. It would be great if the practice note generated improvement discussions within care services at team meetings and learning and development sessions. For instance, participants could be asked to identify what they will keep doing, what they will stop doing and what they will start doing as a result of the information and discussion.”
Download your copy here.