Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions, in association with The OT Service, will be presenting its popular on-stand and theatre-based CPD sessions at the OT Show at the NEC in Birmingham on 22 and 23 November 2023.

Winner of the ‘best on-stand education’ at the 2022 OT Show, Abacus is a manufacturer of accessible baths for adults and children with disabilities. It is a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), adhering to the association’s recognised Code of Practice to ensure fair and ethical selling of healthcare products and services.

Part of the Gainsborough Healthcare Group, Abacus works closely with occupational therapists (OTs), bathers, and families to ensure positive bathing outcomes. Its Abacus Academy educational programme is available free to all healthcare professionals responsible for clinical reasoning in the accessible bathroom environment. OTs can benefit from free ‘Lunch ‘n’ Learn’ sessions, bath demonstrations, and client assessments thanks to the fleet of Abacus educational vehicles.

The ‘express’ Abacus Academy CPD presentations at the OT Show will be delivered by OT Louise Sharp:

1. ‘Bathing and attachment’

Stand F25
22 November, 10.30–10.50am
23 November, 10–10.20am

Synopsis

The session will explore attachment theory and reflect specifically on the impact on children with a disability. It will discuss the impact of bathing on positive attachment and reflect on intervention plans that support the building of relationships and positive connection.

Learning outcomes

• Have a greater understanding of what negative attachment is and what might cause this for children with disabilities specifically
• Be able to describe how bathing can support the development of positive attachment
• Create an intervention plan that encourages children and caregivers to build on their attachment

2. ‘Client centred bathing’

Stand F25
22 November, 1–1.20pm
23 November, 12.15–12.35pm

Synopsis

Bathing is often overlooked as a meaningful occupation. This session reflects on bathing assessments and challenges their client centredness. Louise will discuss purposeful and meaningful occupation, reflecting on why we bathe and how to address this in practice.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the importance of bathing as a meaningful occupation
• Be able to clearly assess the occupational bathing needs of clients
• Review what it really means to work in a client centred manner
• Understand and interpret the legislation to support practice

3. ‘Proportionate spending – using adaptations to reduce long term costs’

Stand F25
22 November, 2–2.20pm
23 November, 1.15–1.35pm

Synopsis

How often do OTs walk past a stand and think “they’re expensive so won’t be approved”?  The term expensive relates to perception about an initial one-off cost, but what about the long-term impact of that spend? 

This session looks to challenge the issue of cost, reflecting on the financial impact of equipment and adaptations. It focuses specifically on bathing and considers whether the installation of a specialist bath can justifiably be used to save money through care reduction and facilitation of health and well-being.

Learning outcomes

• Reflect on preconceived ideas about cost, and when it becomes ‘expensive’
• Review the use of adaptations and equipment to reduce long-term spending
• Consider the impact of supporting long-term health and well-being on the care system

4. ‘‘Handling’ the bather – finding practical solutions’

Innovation Theatre
22 November, 11.50 – 12.20pm
23 November, 11.20 – 11.50am

Synopsis

Moving and handling can often feel daunting, particularly for bathing, when the perceived risks created by the environment often lead to alternative recommendations. This session looks to break down some of those barriers, using clinical examples to reflect on scenarios and find realistic solutions, whilst supporting meaningful, occupational bathing through positive risk taking.

Learning outcomes

• Consider the risk assessment process and application for bathing
• Discuss positive risk taking and the impact on meaningful engagement
• Review moving and handling challenges for bath transfers
• Reflect on how equipment can support bathing for the person with handling and postural needs

Visit the BHTA on stand J57 at the OT Show 2023 to find out more about the association and why buying from a BHTA member company increases consumer protection.

Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions, in association with The OT Service, will be presenting its latest free Abacus Academy CPD Webinar for Occupational Therapists entitled: “ ‘We don’t do bathing’ – Reflections of holistic practice and professional implications.”

LIVE with OT Q&A: Thursday 31st March 2022, 12 noon – 1pm.

To book a free space on the webinar please visit: https://tinyurl.com/mvznhek2 
A secure video link will be sent prior to the event. CPD certificates will be available to all attendees.

 “We don’t do bathing” – Reflections of holistic practice and professional implications
Presented by Adam Ferry, Occupational Therapist

During product demonstrations, particularly at exhibitions, we often hear the comment “we don’t do bathing”. This session looks to consider the implications of this through an exploration of holistic practice and what that means in practice.

We explore the term ‘holism’ in relation to occupational therapy practice, and how it is applied across sectors and organisations with increased demand and pressure. There will be a reflection on code of ethics and legislation to consider the implications of a “we don’t do…” stance.

Learning outcomes
– Explore the term ‘holistic practice’ and its application.
– Reflect on the challenges to holism and how it can be addressed.
– Discuss implications on individuals and services of “we don’t do…”

Abacus Academy
The online resource enhances everyday practice for Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Moving and Handling Practitioners. It provides a range of up-to-date educational material that supports Continuing Professional Development through bitesize videos, practical and theoretical material, downloads and case studies.

CPD certificates are available to professionals who learn via the Academy and will also be available to attendees after the latest live Abacus webinar.