CSP Scotland conference: Stress-busting events are on the agenda

^{Kate Smart's project polled MSK physio staff at NSH Greater Glasgow and Clyde}

The move follows a project by Kate Smart, of the Dumbarton Health Centre physiotherapy department, to identify whether staff wanted to know more about stress management.

Some 88 per cent of respondents confirmed they did want to know more and the research also identified the techniques they were most interested in, and which ones they used outside work.

Ms Smart said: ‘Staff demonstrated strong interest in learning more about coaching, cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness.’

More than 80 per cent reported using exercise for stress management.

The results were used to develop a successful one-off half-day in-service wellbeing event with taster sessions of various techniques including yoga.

The session attracted participants including Band 5, 6 and 7 physiotherapists, back pain specialists, advanced practice physiotherapists (formerly known as extended scope practitioners) and students from across the west of Glasgow.

It has now been agreed than an annual event will be held for all MSK physiotherapy staff.

Ms Smart said: ‘This, along with a range of other resources that have been developed, demonstrates how the reduction of stress is firmly on the agenda and supported on an ongoing basis by the MSK management team within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.’