Managing the clinical challenges of spinal cord injury
Virtual education conference 2025

Agenda

Sessions and times subject to change.

9:00am

Neurogenic Skin

with Chris Paton

This session will cover the changes that occur in a person's skin following a spinal cord injury. It will address the impact of skin damage for someone with SCI and how debilitating this can be.

This session aims to help you understand the changes that are experienced in the skin following SCI. It will discuss preventative measures and how to best treat the skin should an injury occur.

10:00am

The parallel of need: spinal cord injury and mental health

with Lewis Petty

This session will focus on the mental health needs and prevalence of mental health issues within the SCI population.

Suicide prevention and suicide awareness will also be addressed. The session will cover the mental and emotional health needs of people with a diagnosis of SCI.

It will discuss how you can structure a mental health focussed session and what screening tools are available. It aims to equip you with some tools to support your practice.

11:00am

Break

11:30am

Please choose ONE session from the following. You can do this as part of your registration. You may return to this site after the event to watch the other session.

Spinal cord injury: A therapy perspective

with Susie Wood and Frances Moya

This session, designed for physiotherapists and occupational therapists, will address the common challenges within SCI rehabilitation.

It will include a range of case studies varying in SCI functional ability, to allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of SCI. This session will cover acute, community and lifelong care.

- or -

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction; and Autonomic Dysreflexia

with Mark Jarratt and Karen Biggs

This session will discuss why neurogenic bowel management is important for someone with SCI or Cauda Equina (CES).

You will gain an understanding of neurogenic bowel dysfunction, the different presentations following SCI/CES and how to establish appropriate bowel care routines.

It will include a range of case studies varying in SCI functional ability, to allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of SCI. This session will cover acute, community and lifelong care.

It will be immediately followed by the Autonomic Dysreflexia session, which aims to highlight the life-threatening nature of AD and what to do if this medical emergency occurs.

It will cover the causes of AD and the signs and symptoms to be aware of. This session should help you to understand the importance of identifying AD and the immediate management required to address the condition.

12:30pm

Panel Discussion and Q & A

moderated by Kerryn Pratt

This session will be an opportunity for our excellent speakers to engage in a lively conversation whereby they can share their insights and explore the day's topics.

With a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives, this session aims to be a highlight of the event.

Throughout the day we encourage you to submit your questions for the panel. What are your thoughts on the topics we have covered? What are the clinical challenges of SCI you encounter? Our panel will dissect and discuss the questions, offering fresh perspectives and open conversation.

Panel members:
Andy Wharton
Chris Paton
Frances Moya
Karen Biggs
Lewis Petty
Mark Jarratt
Susie Wood

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