Employer case study - The effects of well-supported CPD (Optima Health)

Karen Phillpotts is Head of Clinical Standards (MSH and MH) at Optima Health, a UK-wide occupational health and wellbeing company.

CPD is a registrant responsibility – but many see it as only that. At Optima Health, we have recently seen how it can impact the entire team when actively supported by those in leadership and management roles.

Optima Health is truly committed to the professional development of its staff and we offer a comprehensive programme of CPD to all our practitioners. Part of the programme focuses on keeping -staff up to date with relevant guidance and policies.

Recently, some of our physiotherapists and occupational therapists participated in a virtual training session on suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome. The session was organised by management and focused on updated guidance on the ‘Getting it right first time’ pathway Spinal – Suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome 1a - GIRFT - Pathways.

As well as running through the information itself, the CPD integrated learning via case examples, a chance to discuss the learning during the session and mentoring sessions afterwards.

A week following the training, one of our Occupational Health Physiotherapists was able to draw on it in a real-life situation. It empowered them to make the right decision and prevented life-altering consequences for the patient. The Physiotherapist was also recognised by the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) in their annual Occupational Health Awards as ‘highly commended’ in the category of 'Outstanding Occupational Health Practitioner – Highlight good practice'.

Upon initial phone assessment of the patient, their clinical presentation appeared benign and could have easily resembled a different diagnosis. The individual had already seen their GP and another physiotherapist, both of whom expressed minimal concern. They had scheduled a specialist appointment approximately one month away.

However, considering the recent session, our physiotherapist decided to conduct a meticulous assessment during the call. This revealed a set of concealed symptoms that warranted urgent attention.

The physiotherapist promptly recommended the patient present themselves at A&E. They explained this decision using a thoughtfully-crafted letter that was emailed to the patient, and the patient agreed to go.

The following day, the physiotherapist checked in with the patient for an update. The patient reported that they had experienced a lengthy wait in the emergency department, but that this had proved to be of value. Imaging had uncovered a critical issue that required immediate intervention. Some timely emergency surgery was undertaken, which prevented life altering consequences for the patient and averted further deterioration.

Needless to say, the physiotherapist was positively impacted by the outcome. However, it has also had a noticeable impact on their wider team. Seeing the learning being put to immediate use has inspired other practitioners to trust their clinical reasoning more when it comes to complex cases. With the assurance that their knowledge is appropriate and up-to-date, the team’s confidence has visibly grown.

Looking at the incident as a whole, the employer’s initial support played a critical role here. Without the training and reflection time, the physiotherapist’s professional judgement may have been vastly different - and the outcome for the patient too. We believe this shows the vital importance of well-supported CPD at all levels.

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