An Auckland postbasic course in respiratory physiotherapy was the venue for the formation of the Cardiothoracic SIG in August 1985. The 40 physiotherapists present formed the group holding the inaugural AGM in 1986 with Janet Haslam as Chairman and Heather Argyle as Secretary.
An Auckland postbasic course in respiratory physiotherapy was the venue for the formation of the Cardiothoracic SIG in August 1985. The 40 physiotherapists present formed the group holding the inaugural AGM in 1986 with Janet Haslam as Chairman and Heather Argyle as Secretary. A Committee was set up to formulate rules and recruit members[1]. By October 1986 the rules were finalised and they had a membership of 25.
The SIG with a membership of 20 was recognised at the 1987 AGM by which time they were sending out two newsletters a year. Some members contributed to a workshop held in Wellington in 1988 and the workshop on cardiothoracic work at the February 1988 NZSP Conference was well attended. In 1988 they held their second AGM and elected office bearers. Margot Skinner presented a paper at the AGM of the NZSP in 1987 and a further one at the Upwards 88 Conference[2].
Financial membership was down to 11 in 1989, the main problem being that many members were heavily involved in hospital changes. It was felt it may be necessary to redefine the goals[3].
There were 15 members in 1990, the principal activity was a post conference course after the Horizons Conference in Hamilton, when the speaker was Dr. Kolaczkowski (Canada). The Auckland Branch of the NZSP provided financial assistance for Committee member Pam Young to attend a Conference in Sydney. Margot Skinner also attended this conference. Also in 1990 Jocelyn Ross (Canada) held a one day seminar in Auckland.
An effort was made to re-vitalise the group in 1992. The Committee base moved from Auckland to Christchurch at the 1992 AGM held in conjunction with a two days Respiratory Care Workshop conducted by Dr. Lind Holland (Canada). New office bearers were elected at this annual general meeting. Initially five, then four and finally three Committee members still administer the group from Christchurch after unsuccessful overtures to other areas. Plans for a pamphlet on Cardiothoracic Physiotherapy were prepared and a workshop for Respiratory Rehabilitation being planned for 1993. The group was also pleased to be involved in the restructuring of the New Zealand College of Physiotherapy[4] .
The group grew to 40 members in 1993 and held a number of meetings and courses, the largest being at the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Centre in Christchurch, which was attended by 52 people. A number of group members contributed to the College. Group members attended local courses as well as National and International conferences in 1993. Various members contributed to a pamphlet on cardiothoracic physiotherapy begun in 1993 and presented to the NZSP at the 1994 AGM where it was quickly into its second printing. A review and update is planned for 2000.
Although group members declined instigation of a formal cardiothoracic postgraduate qualification, they attended National and International Conferences in ever increasing numbers.
Interesting speakers such as Australians Dr.Sue Jenkins and Dr.Elizabeth Ellis were well received at the 1994 conference contributing to an increased interest in cardiothoracic work. In response to a growing awareness of Hyperventilation Syndrome, a two day workshop was held in November 1994.
Heather Argyle resigned as Chairperson in 1994. Three Newsletters were produced during that year, and a sub Committee considered clinical standards. The group also ran a respiratory update course for Canterbury branch of the NZSP, and considered a teleconference link to bring members together.
In 1995 the group made a contribution to the NZSP submission on the Smoke -free Environment Bill Amendment No2. Eight group members attended the 1995 National Cardiothoracic Conference in Australia, a trend which has continued as growing numbers of Cardiothoracic physiotherapists recognise and access the expertise so close to our shores. Cardiothoracic SIG members ran a respiratory update course for Canterbury branch in 1995, with North Island areas offering similar courses in subsequent years.
1996 was a frustrating year, Christchurch personnel wanted to step down, but no else could be found to take over. Therefore the Christchurch Committee continued in a caretaker role. Two Committee members went to Quality Workshops run by the NZSP on Standards and Guidelines.
The major activities for 1996 were two fully subscribed workshops run by Dr. Elizabeth Dean (Canada) and sponsored by Fisher and Paykel and held in Auckland and Christchurch. The title was “Evidence Based Cardiothoracic Physical Therapy Practice: Preparing for the next Millennium”.
Being such a small scattered group organising activities was difficult. Individual members also presented at International Conferences in 1996.
A small Christchurch Committee of three kept the group going in 1997 attempting to stimulate and meet the diverse needs of the membership. Communication with and stimulating membership was an area of concern. A submission was made on the Physiotherapy Act Review mid year in 1997. With the review of Standards of Practice occupying much time, one matter causing concern in 1997 was the huge variation in infection control management of respiratory equipment.
The small Committee of three continued in Christchurch in 1998, and set themselves a key aim of providing a high-quality Cardiothoracic course. A half day course by Julia Bott on “The Ventilatory Pump and clinical applications, Exercise Concepts and Non-invasive Ventilation” was very well received. Several members attended the Australian Cardiothoracic SIG Conference in Perth in October 1998 and were impressed with the standard of work..
The high quality was maintained in 1998 with a two day course held in October entitled: “The Application of thoracic cage mobility issues to the medical and surgical respiratory patient”, led by Doa El-Ansary from Canberra. This course with a high practical content was fully subscribed and enthusiastically received. It provided participants with a chance to network with each other as many cardiothoracic physiotherapists work in relative isolation.
SIG members met over breakfast there, to review SIG issues especially communication. Newsletter production has been a problem with such a small membership of irregular contributors. It was decided a smaller newsletter be sent out more frequently to keep up member contact. Committee members were hoping for an increased number of articles.
Since 1996 the Christchurch based Committee have arranged one high quality course led by an overseas specialist physiotherapist each alternate year. Other years (1997 and 1999) members have been encouraged to attend the Biennial Australian Cardiothoracic Special Group Conference which exposes them to international practice and research.
In 1999, the review of standards was completed by the Committee with comments sought from group members. These Standards are ready for adoption and filing at National Office in 2000.
Membership stands at 29 in 1999. Interaction between members remains a challenge. It became evident in 1999 that two northern centres have developed clinically focused groups. The CTSIG welcomes their initiative, receives their reports, and endeavours to involve groups as much as possible in wider cardiothoracic issues.
[1] NZJP April 1986
[2] Annual Report 1987
[3] Annual Report 1989
[4] Annual Report 1992 page 15
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