Read BASRaT's latest update regarding the easing of restrictions on 19th July

A short update on requirements from the 19th July onwards (in England).

PPE - We've had confirmation from Public Health England that there will be no changes to Personal Protective Equipment guidance. This means you should continue to use: 

- A type 2R face mask

- Single use gloves

- Single use apron

- The use of visors / eye protecion on a risk-assessed basis

PHE have not yet advised on a date for the revision of this guidance. This level of PPE is important for keeping you, your patients and staff safe - it also exempts you from isolation if you are in contact with a patient that later tests positive.

Patient face coverings - Patients should continue to wear face coverings (unless they are exempt) in healthcare settings. This will be consistent with ongoing Government and PHE guidance. Our guidance on patient face coverings will remain as it is now.

Vaccination status - Vaccination status is not relevant with regards to the use of PPE and face coverings as the same PPE is required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to ask patients to disclose this information for these purposes.

Classes and group activity - The legal limits on gatherings and social distancing will end. However, the government are encouraging businesses to maintain the safe working practices, additional cleaning and ensuring good ventilation. Where possible, it would be advisable to maintain social distancing and minimise contact between participants.

We should be able to clarify points in more detail next week. Please bare with us in awaiting updates to the guidance document. If you have any questions, please contact Ollie on registrar@basrat.org.                       BASRaT Team.

The current issue of BJSM is edited by BASRaT Chief Executive, Stephen Aspinall

This edition also includes:

EDITORIAL - Knee arthroscopy: evidence for a targeted approach - this thoughtful editorial by Robert LaPrade and his Orthopaedic colleagues discusses the science underpinning knee arthroscopy, the importance of a sound clinical assessment along with giving real consideration to the individual patient in front of you 

REVIEWS - Comparative effectiveness of physical exercise interventions for chronic non-specific neck pain  

ORIGINAL RESEARCH 

- adherence to physical activity recommendations for 11–22 years and risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality - why it is never too late to increase your activity levels 

- Time-efficient intervention to improve older adolescents’ cardiorespiratory fitness

INFOGRAPHICS

- Eight Investments That Work for Physical Activity: infographic, animation and call to action (left) - a whole systems approach is crucial for improving population health and underlines the importance of collaborative working

- When is abnormal normal? Reframing MRI abnormalities as a normal part of ageing (middle image)

BASRaT Registered Sport Rehabilitators get free access to BJSM, access this edition here 

Read the latest version of BASRaT's guidance for registrants on operating safely during Covid.

The latest version of the guidance is available to view here. Members who have questions about the guidance can contact Oliver Coburn on registrar@basrat.org. 

New BASRaT members starting their career as Sport Rehabilitators

Despite a tumultuous year, our 2020 graduates have thrived in their new careers, we caught up with four recent graduates to delve into what they are doing and how they are finding it. View here 

A selection of articles to help patients deal with the effects of Long Covid

An estimated 1.1 million people in the UK reported experiencing Long Covid (symptoms persisting more than four weeks after the first suspected Covid-19) in a four week period. Long Covid covers symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and difficulty concentrating. Nearly 200,000 individuals reporting that their ability to undertake their day-to-day activities had been limited a lot, according to the ONS. 

We have compiled a number of references to help you treat those recovering from Long Covid, including a patient's rehabilitation recovery pathway, a useful infographic and an article on being aware of post-exertional malaise in patients.  Continue Reading...