Workshop program
REGISTRATION FOR ALL PRE CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS HAS NOW CLOSED.
All workshops will be conducted on Wednesday 4 October 2023 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, unless specified otherwise.
Please note some workshops are Full Day and some are Half Day.
Wednesday 4 October
The art and science of the practice of acupuncture.
Dr Chris Zaslawski will present Systematic Reviews in Qi Gong, demonstrate and teach the Ba duan jin, also known as “The Eight Brocades”, and demonstrate a needling/acupressure prescription for mental well-being.
Jenny Lucy will teach a practical mindfulness workshop on Physio-Chi white, a modified Tai Chi form that each participant will be able to use with their clients.
Prof David Baxter will discuss “Complementary & Alternative Medicines(CAM) the challenges to EBP and comparisons with other forms of physiotherapy”.
Dr Panos Barlas will present an “Overview of chronic pain mechanisms and the effects of sensory stimulation”.
Leigh McCutcheon will present “Needling in the foot & ankle region, latest evidence, safety concerns & practical techniques.”
Learning Outcomes
- Increased awareness of effectiveness of acupuncture vs non acupuncture treatments and vs sham.
- Learn a mindfulness modified Tai Chi form with EBP significant benefits, with online support.
- Recognise the role of CAM research, and its essential contribution to evidence-based practice in selected areas of clinical practice in physiotherapy.
- Understand the mechanisms of stimulation induced analgesia, appropriate stimulation parameters & the importance of treatment dose.
- To assess the risks and benefits of needling therapies to accompany a multi-modal approach.
Headache assessment and management.
Physiotherapists in Advanced Practice roles and in the community commonly see patients presenting with headaches that may be a primary or comorbid complaint. Headaches can be classified as either primary, secondary or of other origin. They may be representative of sinister pathology or of other causes including a musculoskeletal origin. It is debated what is in and out of scope for Physiotherapy practice but irrespective of this Physiotherapists must consider all possibilities in the differential diagnosis of headaches in their patients. This workshop will help you understand the presentation and assessment of headaches and their respective management as presented by leading Physiotherapists and Emergency Department Consultants.
In the afternoon, it will continue to discuss the role of the Physiotherapist in treating patients with different types of headaches and provide the evidence and expert opinion on what is in and out of scope and the role of the Physiotherapist. Assessment and treatment strategies will be discussed with a focus on the clinical outpatient setting.
Learning Outcomes
- Headache assessment and diagnosis.
- Physiotherapy scope of practice.
- Physiotherapy treatment of headaches.
This workshop will be combined with the Musculoskeletal National Group.
Presenters: Michael O’Sullivan, Kevin Chu, Ken Niere, Ian Seels, Katrina Williams, Zhiqi LiangThe equine stifle – physiotherapy and veterinary management in rehabilitation.
The anatomy, biomechanics and pathologies of the equine stifle will be covered, along with how hoof balance affects the stifle. Assessment and treatment concepts for management of equine stifle injuries will be covered.
Learning Outcomes
- Pathology of common stifle problems.
- Veterinary and physiotherapy assessment of the equine stifle.
- The effect of the foot on stifle biomechanics.
- The importance of multi-modal approach to the treatment of stifle injuries.
Location:
Offsite venue – University of Queensland
Aquatic aerobic and resistance exercise training for adults and practical management ideas for adults with neurological disorders.
The first half of this workshop will focus on theoretical and practical aspects of aquatic exercise (aerobic, resistance and balance) for adults. There will be an emphasis on group sessions, though exercises will be applicable for individual training. Practical ideas for progressions and modifications for adults with comorbidities will be provided.
The second half of the workshop will focus on techniques and activities to improve co-ordination, balance, strength, and function for long-term neurological clients. Available evidence and clinical experience will be drawn upon to provide ideas for enhancing aquatic physiotherapy sessions for a range of neurological conditions including Acquired Brain Injury and Cerebral Palsy.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand considerations for programming an aquatic exercise class for adults, including area layout, class structure, assessments and managing comorbidities.
- Learn aquatic aerobic and resistance exercise training techniques, modifications, and progressions for a range of clients.
- Demonstrate the ability to prescribe a range of activities to enhance physical activity in a neurological client with varying levels of mobility.
Location:
Offsite venue – Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
Ignite your profit in a sustainable clinic.
Are you tired of avoiding the topic of profit in healthcare? It’s time to break the taboo and start thinking about the sustainability and future planning of your practice. Join us for a full day comprehensive workshop where industry leaders will share their insights on profit, sustainability, marketing, and future planning.
You’ll gain valuable knowledge and tools to help you maximize profits while maintaining high-quality patient care. And to top it all off, the day will end with a round table discussion on the big-ticket items in our profession. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your healthcare practice to the next level!
Each speaker will have a number of key learning outcomes from their presentation.
Some of the key learning outcomes include
- Understanding the importance of profit and sustainability in healthcare: Attendees will learn why it’s essential to break the taboo and start thinking about profit and sustainability in their practice.
- Learning effective marketing strategies: Industry leaders will share their insights on marketing strategies that work for healthcare practices.
- Enhancing future planning: Attendees will learn how to plan for the future of their practice, including factors like hiring new staff, expanding the practice, and keeping up with changes in the healthcare industry.
- Maximizing profits while maintaining high-quality patient care: Attendees will gain valuable tools and knowledge to help them maximize profits while ensuring that patient care remains a top priority.
- Participating in a round table discussion: The conference will end with a round table discussion on the big-ticket items in the healthcare profession, allowing attendees to exchange ideas, share their experiences, and learn from one another.
- Understand the importance of Key Motivators in the workplace and why they are crucial for team engagement, increased productivity and higher staff retention rates.
Functional anatomy of the upper torso, breast, axilla and shoulder complex.
Functional anatomy lecture of the upper torso, breast, axilla and shoulder complex, followed by an active workshop*.
- Surface anatomy of the shoulder and upper torso.
- Musculoskeletal assessment of the shoulder and upper torso in breast cancer patients.
- Case studies to explore physiotherapy treatment strategies for common musculoskeletal issues following breast cancer surgery.
* Note active participation of surface anatomy on fellow workshop participants, followed by active participation of surface anatomy on breast cancer patient ; please dress in a way that allows for active participation
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding of the functional anatomy of the upper torso, axilla and shoulder complex.
- Ability to identify bony structures, joints, muscles and nerves of the upper torso and shoulder complex on healthy women and women who have had breast cancer surgery/treatment.
- Understanding of the regional anatomy of the breast and surface anatomy of the breast.
- Develop skills in musculoskeletal assessment and clinical reasoning to solve problems related to the physical side effects of breast cancer surgery/treatment.
Trending down – the deteriorating patient in hospital and at home.
This workshop will outline clinical illustrations of the deteriorating patient in the acute setting and the criteria applied to identify this cohort, including how definitions have evolved over time and the technology and monitoring options available to enable recognition. Examples from the surgical, intensive care, respiratory medicine and oncology arenas within both the hospital and home environment, will be described. Treatment and overall management suggestions via case studies will be summarized, together with options for staff support and approaches for debriefing, including possible tools to be applied.
Learning Outcomes
- To be able to identify a deteriorating patient and consider the tools, technology and physiotherapy skills which are available to assist in this identification.
- To appreciate the various clinical presentation of a deteriorating patient across a range of clinical arenas, including intensive care, post-surgery, suppurative lung disease and oncology and the management options able to be implemented.
- To understand the approaches to ensure support for staff and tools which may be applied for debriefing.
Rocky road – the recovering patient’s journey.
This session will outline key features of patients recovering from a critical illness within the acute setting and beyond. This will include environmental impact on recovery specific to ICU (e.g. lights, sound and sleep), with case studies discussed. The findings of early active mobilisation during mechanical ventilation in ICU will also be presented. Looking beyond the acute setting, options and consideration in the rehabilitation for those with long COVID-19 and assessment and management approaches for dysfunctional breathing will be outlined, with the application highlighted in clinical examples.
Learning Outcomes
- To understanding of the key physiological features of patients recovering from a critical illness and the role of physiotherapy, including early mobilisation.
- To consider the impact of environmental factors, including light, sound and sleep in the intensive care setting on patient recovery.
- To understand the rehabilitation options for individuals with Long COVID-19 and their application in clinical practice.
- To appreciate the approaches for assessment and treatment for those with dysfunctional breathing.
Physical therapy for children with neurodevelopmental conditions: contemporary perspectives and evidence informed practice.
Paediatric physiotherapy practice involves making frequent, complex, and challenging clinical decisions. This interactive workshop will engage participants in discussion of child and family perspectives on therapy services, engaging children and families in the intervention process, goal setting, and intensity of services, future planning, mobility, walking, and physical activity. A model of evidence-informed decision making that involves consideration of child and family preferences, home and community, research evidence, and practice knowledge will guide discussion.
Case scenarios and participant examples will be used to illustrate evidence-informed decision making. A supportive environment will encourage sharing thoughts and experiences and constructive discussion of different perspectives.
Learning Outcomes
- Be introduced to a model of evidence-informed decision making applicable to paediatric physiotherapy.
- Understand child and family perspectives on therapy services & how to engage families and children in goal setting, determining frequency and duration of services, and the intervention process.
- Be able to utilise concepts introduced during the workshop into practice immediately.
Preparing children for successful community participation.
Through participation children form friendships, gain knowledge, learn skills, express creativity, and determine meaning and purpose in life. This workshop will present a model of participation-based therapy that is goal-oriented, strength-based, and ability-focused. Interventions are initiated when there is readiness to achieve a desired goal for community participation. The therapist collaborates with the child, family, and community providers to share information, educate, and instruct in ways that build child, family, and community capacity.
Case presentations will facilitate interactive discussion and highlight the individualized nature of the approach, solutions to challenges, intervention strategies, and the value of family and community engagement.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the innovative participation-based approach (Palisano et al. 2012 & 2022) and its impact on service provision
- Be able to appraise participation-based therapy
- Understand the role of the therapist in collaborating with the child, family and community to achieve individualised goals for participation, child self-determination, and increasing child, family and community capacity.
- Be able to apply participation-based therapy in paediatric physiotherapy practice immediately
Lighting the way forwards in healthy ageing– research and clinical practice partnerships.
Researchers – Have you ever wondered how to do more practical research that makes a difference in real time?
Clinicians – Have you ever wondered whether research can add anything to your clinical practice?
This workshop will help to create partnerships by bringing clinicians and researchers together. At the end of this session, clinicians will be able to identify self-directed resources available to develop their research skills while researchers will be able to identify the practical strategies to engage and partner with clinicians to undertake demand-driven research. Guidelines for research and links to relevant resources for follow up engagement will be provided.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a personal plan to progress research aspirations.
- Recognise the steps to develop and undertake a clinical research project.
- Develop relevant clinical and research networks.
Optimising Mental Health in the clinic, in the workplace and everyday.
Workplaces are complex environments, involving influences and relationships between a myriad of factors and variables. This session explores workplace mental health and wellbeing, covering primary, secondary and tertiary interventions.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognise the signs and impact of poor mental health on the worker and develop basic strategies to assist the person with poor mental health.
- Appreciate the role that self-care can play in practitioner and workplace wellbeing and develop tools and strategies to intentionally support one’s own wellbeing.
- Identify psychosocial hazards in the workplace and be able to access and apply tools/resources to assist in addressing these.
- Understand the benefits of applying an integrated approach to work health, safety and wellbeing.
This workshop will be combined with the Occupational Health National Group.
Presenters: Joanne Connaughton, Ellen Lake, Roslyn MillerTrauma informed physiotherapy.
Trauma-informed care has a unique position within physiotherapy, with heterogeneous patient presentations, requiring specialised approaches. High-quality interventions within the first few months post-trauma improve the rate of successful recovery. Whilst the importance of acknowledging the biopsychosocial model is broadly recognised and increasingly supported, by a rapidly growing body of evidence, often it is unclear what high-quality care entails. In addition, practitioners’ confidence around the implementation of psychologically informed interventions may be lacking. Experts in this area will share their knowledge and experience through discussions around case scenarios and address the role of physiotherapy in a variety of trauma-informed presentations.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the importance of early identification of biopsychosocial factors contributing to a pain presentation underpinned by trauma.
- Outline the role of physiotherapy for different trauma-based patient presentations.
- Become familiar with tools for the implementation of high-quality trauma based care.
- Increase confidence in case formulation of trauma based presentations.
This workshop will be combined with the Pain National Group.
Presenters: Michele Sterling, Melanie Block, Des O’Shaughnessy, Lester Jones, Ellen LakeHeadache assessment and management.
Physiotherapists in Advanced Practice roles and in the community commonly see patients presenting with headaches that may be a primary or comorbid complaint. Headaches can be classified as either primary, secondary or of other origin. They may be representative of sinister pathology or of other causes including a musculoskeletal origin. It is debated what is in and out of scope for Physiotherapy practice but irrespective of this Physiotherapists must consider all possibilities in the differential diagnosis of headaches in their patients. This workshop will help you understand the presentation and assessment of headaches and their respective management as presented by leading Physiotherapists and Emergency Department Consultants.
In the afternoon it will continue to discuss the role of the Physiotherapist in treating patients with different types of headaches and provide the evidence and expert opinion on what is in and out of scope and the role of the Physiotherapist. Assessment and treatment strategies will be discussed with a focus on the clinical outpatient setting.
Learning Outcomes
- Headache assessment and diagnosis.
- Physiotherapy scope of practice.
- Physiotherapy treatment of headaches.
This workshop will be combined with the Advanced Practice National Group.
Presenters: Michael O’Sullivan, Kevin Chu, Ken Niere, Ian Seels, Katrina Williams, Zhiqi LiangManaging concussion: A neuro and holistic multidisciplinary treatment approach based on symptom profiles.
The workshop will cover:
- Concussion definitions, key elements of history taking and the practical application of the symptom scales. Profiling a concussion into different domains with ideas on how to quantify these and double check that the appropriate MDT is involved.
- A lecture on the Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen (VOMS) and the various aspects of its application.
- Discussion on exertion testing and its uses in assessing and monitoring progress in laboratory and clinical settings.
- Education of patient around the fear and anxiety of the condition.
- Workshopping cases with clinical reasoning behind the management and progression of patients to discharge and beyond.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will improve their clinical reasoning skills resulting in: structured and efficient history taking and examination process; Understand the Domains of concussion and the interplay of the VOMS and Exertion and its application in management (assessment and treatment) of these patients.
- Participants would gain a better understanding on creating an effective, individualized treatment approach to patients with concussion, thereby improving the outcomes of their patients.
- Participants will increase awareness of the MDT role in concussion and improve the awareness of interdisciplinary referrals.
Research to support practice change: a practical guide to applying implementation science frameworks.
Practice change is difficult, but important, to: (1) align with emerging evidence, (2) reduce health inequities and (3) offer consumers a great experience of care. Implementation science provides evidence to support change, but there are so many frameworks! And they seem somewhat removed from the real world of healthcare.
This workshop will demystify some implementation frameworks and demonstrate how to use them in practice and research. We will focus on four steps that inform implementation efforts and explain how frameworks can be folded into this method, using break-out discussions, demonstrations and role plays to show how they work in context.
Learning Outcomes
To contextualise learning outcomes, we invite delegates to come with some ideas about an ‘implementation problem’ that they would like to solve.
After participating in the workshop, delegates will:
- Be able to identify and describe implementation problems in the context of healthcare practice.
- Know the four basic steps in investigating and addressing an implementation problem.
- Feel confident in selecting and using a framework that is appropriate to the problem.
- Feel confident in approaching an implementation science specialist to discuss a specific implementation challenge.
Optimising Mental Health in the clinic, in the workplace and everyday.
Workplaces are complex environments, involving influences and relationships between a myriad of factors and variables. This session explores workplace mental health and wellbeing, covering primary, secondary and tertiary interventions.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognise the signs and impact of poor mental health on the worker and develop basic strategies to assist the person with poor mental health.
- Appreciate the role that self-care can play in practitioner and workplace wellbeing and develop tools and strategies to intentionally support one’s own wellbeing.
- Identify psychosocial hazards in the workplace and be able to access and apply tools/resources to assist in addressing these.
- Understand the benefits of applying an integrated approach to work health, safety and wellbeing.
This workshop will be combined with the Mental Health National Group.
Presenters: Joanne Connaughton, Ellen Lake, Roslyn MillerThe art and science of return to work.
This workshop will highlight and explore considerations, complexities and compliance in return to work: the art and science of integrating research, clinical and occupational physiotherapy with legislation, psychosocial, workplace and personal factors.
Learning Outcomes
- Update on current Australian and international evidence-based approaches to return to work including psychosocial hazard identification.
- Upskill identification of complex barriers and facilitators to return to work with evidence-based strategies to address these factors.
- Using case studies, learn strategies to support the return to work process including screening, assessment and measurement of progress, reasoning, evidence based practice and communication tools to overcome barriers.
Pelvic health post major pelvic trauma.
Join us as we collaborate on the assessment and management of traumatic pelvic injury. Is it truly a musculoskeletal problem, or are there more systemic problems that arise from this debilitating injury?
How can we screen for pelvic organ dysfunctions that necessitate the shared care of our patients with Pelvic Health physiotherapists?
- Components of pelvic dysfunction
- Impact of pelvic fracture on pelvic health: implications for physiotherapy
- Causal pathways of pelvic floor dysfunction: anatomical and neural disruption
- Acute physiotherapy management and screening; potential physiotherapy intervention
Panel Discussion – screening for pelvic floor dysfunction post major pelvic trauma.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the impact of pelvic trauma and fracture on bladder, bowel and sexual function and possible causal factors underlying pelvic dysfunction after trauma.
- Identify relevant screening and evaluation processes and recognise key time points in the assessment and intervention process.
- Understand models of care for optimising pelvic health and function after pelvic trauma.
Sports-focussed intervention for children with disabilities: a practical workshop for physiotherapists working with children of all physical abilities from entry-point to elite sports participation.
This workshop will introduce a range of sports-focused interventions for children and youth with disabilities at all levels. You will experience hands-on practical sessions including (1) peer-group sports interventions aimed at transitioning children from physiotherapy into community sport, (2) the physiotherapist’s role in supporting frame running for people with high-support needs, (3) provisional classification for participation in Paralympic competition, and (4) bike riding for children with disabilities. The day will culminate with case studies and a Q&A where physiotherapists and people with childhood-onset disability discuss experiences, challenges, and aspirations for sports-focused interventions across workshop participants’ unique communities.
Learning Outcomes
To develop practical skills in engaging children with disabilities in sports interventions by supporting attendees to:
- Understand the SPORTS Participation Model. Participants will learn about the different types and levels of sports participation available for children with disability from entry-level to elite competition in both mainstream and parasport pathways.
- Understand the role of physiotherapists in sports participation for children with disability from initial entry, to to facilitation of elite competition.
- Develop practical skills in classification, equipment prescription, & supporting competitive sport for children with disability.
- Develop practical skills in the development and implementation of sports interventions. Participants will learn about the content and provision of interventions supporting initial transition into sport, recreational participation, and elite competition for children and youth with disability.
Trauma informed physiotherapy
Trauma-informed care has a unique position within physiotherapy, with heterogeneous patient presentations, requiring specialised approaches. High-quality interventions within the first few months post-trauma improve the rate of successful recovery. Whilst the importance of acknowledging the biopsychosocial model is broadly recognised and increasingly supported, by a rapidly growing body of evidence, often it is unclear what high-quality care entails. In addition, practitioners’ confidence around the implementation of psychologically informed interventions may be lacking.
Experts in this area will share their knowledge and experience through discussions around case scenarios and address the role of physiotherapy in a variety of trauma-informed presentations.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the importance of early identification of biopsychosocial factors contributing to a pain presentation underpinned by trauma.
- Outline the role of physiotherapy for different trauma-based patient presentations.
- Become familiar with tools for the implementation of high-quality trauma based care.
- Increase confidence in case formulation of trauma based presentations.
This workshop will be combined with the Mental Health National Group.
Presenters: Michele Sterling, Melanie Block, Des O’Shaughnessy, Lester Jones, Ellen LakeState of the art management of upper and lower limb sporting injuries.
This workshop will upskill you in the management of lower and upper limb sporting injuries. The format includes lectures, practical sessions, and panel discussions to ensure you leave with theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to apply in your daily practice.
Session 1 will have a particular focus on anterior cruciate ligament management in adults and children. The gym-based practical session will provide new ideas for assessment and rehabilitation.
Session 2 will dive into management of common shoulder injuries seen in land- and water-based athletes. Another gym-based session will ensue with an opportunity to learn practically from our highly experienced presenters.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a thorough understanding of the latest evidence regarding ACL management.
- Appreciate vital differences in shoulder injury management across different types of athletes.
- Develop practical rehabilitation prescription skills for common lower and upper limb sporting injuries.
Location:
Offsite venue – Queensland Academy of Sport
Anorectal dysfunctions.
The presenters will discuss the role of the gut microbiome (Alyssa Tait), Colorectal surgical aspects of pelvic floor dysfunction (Dr Chris Gillespie) and pelvic floor physiotherapy (Allison Bryant). The session will cover the physiology of normal defaecation, the pathophysiology of anorectal dysfunction, understanding colonic microbiome in common bowel presentations, and the subjective and objective assessment from a physiotherapy point of view. The session will include an update on the use of biofeedback for bowel conditions.
Learning Outcomes
- Improved understanding of the mechanisms of obstructed defaecation and faecal incontinence.
- Better understanding of what EMG biofeedback can offer.
- Case presentation to assist with incorporating microbiome-directed interventions into care.
- Understanding overall treatment options and the place of surgery in dysfunction.
Different approaches to pain in the pelvic region.
Pelvic pain can be overwhelming for the clinician. This workshop will look at multiple causative factors and assessment approaches from both within and without the pelvis all from the perspective of the presenters as they show you how each specialty area can bring together the differentiation of a complex pelvic pain patient.
From hip and groin to pelvic floor muscle tone and neural factors, you will leave with practical treatment strategies within an evidenced-based biopsychosocial framework that can be applied immediately on return to clinical practice.
Learning Outcomes
- Discuss the terminology used to classify vulvovaginal pain disorders, musculoskeletal causes of hip/groin pain, and identify nociceptive, nociplastic and neuropathic primary pain mechanisms.
- Discuss how pelvic floor muscle tone is defined and how to evaluate it, plus assessment techniques to categorise the causes of hip/groin pain.
- Discuss the current evidence for physiotherapy management of high pelvic floor muscle tone when associated with vulvovaginal pain disorders.
- Implement an impairment-based management plan that can be applied immediately in clinical practice.
