In March and April of this year, the British Polio Fellowship conducted a Big Survey of its members and over a thousand people responded. The results suggested support and guidance for polio survivors is needed more than ever.
Over the years there has been a rise in polio survivors being diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) and yet, GPs and consultants are becoming increasingly uninformed about the condition.
Closer collaboration between healthcare professionals and the British Polio Fellowship, has resulted in the creation of an Optimal Care Pathway for people effected by polio (including late effects of polio and PPS). The pathway will be launched early 2024.
Additionally, a significant number of members don’t fully know what post-polio treatment they need or they aren’t satisfied with the local services they have available. This alone has demonstrated the importance of the Fellowship’s work. It must raise awareness of late effects of polio and PPS, and continue to support members; physically, financially, and psychologically.
Key findings from the survey can be found here
Survey Highlights
Age Range of survey respondents: 26 – 94 years
How old you were when you contracted polio?
2 - 5 years: 36%
13 - 24 months: 21%
0 - 12 months: 19%
6 - 10 years; 16%
11 - 20 years: 6%
20+ years: 2%
GPs and consultants seen by members who know about polio, late effects of polio and PPS
50% of GPs and 52% of consultants knew about polio
30% of GPs and 44% of consultants knew about late effects of polio
32% of GPs and 44% of consultants knew about PPS
Members who have or think they have PPS: 89%
If you have used these local services, were you satisfied with them for your polio matters?
Always | Never or only sometimes | |
Physiotherapists | 25% | 75% |
Orthotics | 37% | 63% |
Podiatry | 56% | 44% |
Orthopaedic | 33% | 67% |
Neurologist | 38% | 62% |
Cardiologist | 45% | 55% |
Occupational therapy | 33% | 67% |
Dietitians | 16% | 84% |
Respiratory | 38% | 62% |
Weight management | 16% | 84% |
Rehabilitation | 30% | 70% |
Sleep disorders | 28% | 72% |
Psychology | 8% | 92% |
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