The focus for April's MNDcare newsletter is the Allied Professional's Forum. This forum, specifically for social, nursing, palliative and allied health professionals, is held annually the day prior to the main program of the International Symposium on ALS/MND.
Power point presentations from the Allied Professional's Forum (APF) held in Orlando in November last year are now available on the web site of the International Alliance of ALS/MND - follow this link
Two of these presentations given by Dr David Oliver were made available through the January 2011 newsletter.
In this issue we would like to highlight three other presentations from last year's APF:
Sexuality in MND is an issue that receives little attention, is poorly understood and is frequently left undiscussed with people with MND and their partners. The Impact of Equipment on Relationships - given by B. Taylor provides some insights into ways of beginning this discussion High tech augmentative communication devices can attract a great deal of interest. However, low tech eye based communication aids are often overlooked. These simple aids can provide an effective means of communication in a variety of situations. Comparison of 3 low tech eye movement accessible communication methods - given by A. Roman gives a useful guide to eye movement based communication aids
MND/ALS Associations working together to develop information resources for people with MND and their families
S.Schillerstrom presented a new resource for young children. 'When someone close has MND' - is an interactive workbook developed by MND UK to inform children aged between 4 years and 10 years about motor neurone disease. Adults and children can work through the book together, so that information about MND can be introduced to children at the most appropriate time.
See also the 'Talking with Young People about MND' package which includes a booklet specifically for health professionals.
Allied Professionals Forum 2011 - 29 November, Sydney
We hope that the opportunity to review the range and scope of the above presentations given at last year's APF will encourage health and community care professionals to attend this year's forum and to consider presenting their own work. Follow this link for further information regarding the Call for Abstracts and the following key themes for 2011:
Support for Staff
E-solutions to improve outcomes for people living with MND
Advance care planning and decision making
Integration of palliative care
Changing Practice
Long term carer support
Tailored support for families
