March 2009

The team at the International Classification for Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Research Branch of the WHO Collaborating Centre; the  German Institute of Medical Documentation and Information  (DIMDI), is undertaking work on ICF core sets.

Physical therapists are included in an expert survey conducted during the preparatory phase as well as in the validation of a core set from the health professional perspective. 

Core sets for diabetes, spinal cord injury, vocational rehabilitation, orofacial pain, traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis are currently under development.  In the second half of the year there will be a call for experts in the management of hand impairments.  If you have expertise in any of these areas and would like to participate contact Catherine Sykes, Professional Policy Consultant at csykes@wcpt.org.

The International Federation of Sports Physiotherapy (IFSP) wishes to make contact with national sports interest groups that are not part of the IFSP.  Please encourage your national group to contact Laetitia Dekker-Bakker at laetitia.dekkerbakker@quicknet.nl.  If you are not sure if your sports group is already a member, please visit the IFSP wesite at  www.ifsp.nl. 

WCPT has seven subgroups.  For more information on these, please visit the subgroup section of the WCPT website (www.wcpt.org).

WHO's 12th annual report, Global Tuberculosis Control, Epidemiology, Strategy, Financing has just been published to coincide with World TB Day, "A World free of TB", on 24 March. The report presents WHO's latest assessment of the epidemiological burden of TB (numbers of cases and deaths), as well as progress towards the 2015 targets for global TB control that have been established within the context of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).   

The online edition is now freely accessible on the WHO web site at http://www.who.int/tb/publications/global_report/en/.  More information on World TB Day may be viewed at http://www.stoptb.org/events/world_tb_day/.

Following the publication of the Guidelines on the provision of Manual Wheelchairs in Less Resourced Settings, the World Health Organization has convened a working group to develop a training package on wheelchair service provision.  

Over the last month, many physical therapists registered with Educata and offered very helpful suggestions about course offerings. Relevant content is one of Educata’s top priorities so suggestions are welcomed. Educata is placing a coupon for $37.50 (US), redeemable at time of purchase, in the account of those who register via a click-through from the WCPT website. If you have not yet signed up for a free membership with Educata, we encourage you to do so through our website so that you can take advantage of this limited time offer.

EDUCATA offers a broad spectrum of courses which can be viewed as many times as you like during the 90 days after purchase. You can pause the course and resume later at the point that you’d left off. Coming in April, is a ‘Research Article’ page. Published peer review research will be free to members of EDUCATA. Just click here www.wcpt.org and follow the EDUCATA links to register through WCPT.

WCPT believes that in many countries, costs and distances make it very difficult for therapists to gain access to ongoing training and education. This web-based platform addresses this need and ensures physical therapists around the world have a gateway to educational opportunities for ongoing professional improvement.

WHO DAR: The Disability and Rehabilitation Team within the Department of Violence and Injury Prevention and Disability at the World Health Organization is in the process of recruiting a Technical Officer. For further information please email pedersenr@who.int.

ICF: Swiss Paraplegic Research (SPF) is committed to enhancing the functioning and quality of life of persons with spinal cord injury. Many of the positions are related to the work of the ICF Research Branch, which has now two sites, at Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich and Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil. They are currently recruiting for various positions which relate to the work of the ICF Research Branch. Full job descriptions may be viewed at www.paranet.ch/spf/research-jobs.