Please click below for session outlines and confirmed speakers
Concurrent Sessions 1 – Monday 21 July 2025, 2.00pm - 3.30pm
Concurrent Sessions 2 – Tuesday 22 July 2025, 1.30pm - 3.00pm
Concurrent Sessions 3 – Wednesday 23 July 2025, 11.00am - 12.30pm
1A: Whiplash clinical practice guidelines: Recommended care pathways for managing people with chronic whiplash-associated disorders
Chair: Professor Ian D Cameron, University of Sydney, NSW
Based on systematic reviews of 180 studies we recommend that health care professionals (HCPs) assess neck pain and disability, other symptoms (e.g., sleep disturbance), and factors to establish diagnosis (whiplash grade): neurological assessment (with indications for imaging), cervical range of motion, and palpation. Recommended treatment is education, neck- and dizziness-specific exercises, and multimodal physical therapy. Integrating psychological strategies with exercise, and multidisciplinary care is indicated in people who present with elevated pain, physical impairment, and psychological distress. HCPs should assess for post-traumatic stress, depression, and perceived injustice to determine if referral may be required for psychological management, with trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy recommended. If indicated, physical assessments of muscle function, sensorimotor impairment, and sensory hypersensitivity are recommended and should guide treatment direction.
The workshop, via case studies, will encourage the audience in small groups to develop treatment plans for five people with chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD).
Speakers:
Professor Ian D Cameron, University of Sydney, NSW
Dr Christopher Papic, University of Queensland, QLD
1B: Fostering well-being and psychosocial resources for recovery and adaptation in neurorehabilitation
Chair: Professor Nicola Kayes, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland
The psychosocial impacts of neurological injury or illness remains one of the biggest unmet needs for people living with neurological impairment. Research shows it is not just the absence of negative factors, but the presence of positive factors (e.g. hope, self-efficacy, sense of self and well-being) that contribute to better long-term outcomes. Supporting well-being and bolstering psychosocial resources may be critical in helping people successfully navigate the complexities inherent in living with neurological impairment. Despite this, these areas are rarely actively and explicitly addressed within routine rehabilitation practice. We have undertaken research to a) explore how well-being is supported in services and the factors that influence this; and b) examine how, for whom, and under what circumstances psychosocial resources are maintained and developed in neurorehabilitation. In this interactive workshop, we will draw on our findings to discuss specific ways of working, actions, and activities that we have found support people’s well-being and aid the development of psychosocial resources in neurorehabilitation. We will then draw on creative and participatory methods to work with participants to examine core rehabilitation processes and structures and generate ideas for how they could be reconceived with an explicit focus on fostering well-being and building psychosocial resources.
Speakers:
Professor Nicola Kayes, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland
A/Professor Felicity Bright, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland
Dr Rachelle Martin, University of Otago, Dunedin
1C: Translating the INCOG 2.0 guidelines into clinical practice
Chair: Dr Christine Canty, The University of Otago, Dunedin
INCOG are an international group of cognitive researchers and clinicians. The INCOG 2.0 guidelines outline evidence-based recommendations to enhance the recovery of cognitive functions following traumatic brain injury, with the aim of promoting consistent and effective cognitive rehabilitation practices worldwide. Three clinicians, a rehabilitation physician, an occupational therapist and a clinical neuropsychologist, will discuss application of these clinical practice guidelines across each phase of traumatic brain injury recovery. Using clinical cases with video excerpts, presenters will illustrate the types of situations where aspects of the guidelines can be applied, outlining lessons learnt applying these in real-world settings. Aspects of the INCOG 2.0 guidelines will be reviewed, including recommendations relating to post-traumatic amnesia, metacognitive strategy training and cognitive-communication rehabilitation. Practical considerations for engaging in cognitive rehabilitation within the ACC setting will be discussed and the challenges inherent in acute, subacute and community settings will be explored.
Speakers:
Dr Christine Canty, The University of Otago, Dunedin
Dr Michael Dawson, Health New Zealand, Dunedin
Mrs Katie McKenzie, Assist By Design, Dunedin
1D: Acute to Chronic Pain Transition
Chair: Dr Hemeakumar Devan, University of Otago, Dunedin
Chronic pain is a significant health problem affecting 20-30% of the world’s population and resulting in significant disability. Although many individuals recover after an acute injury or surgery, 50% may still experience pain for years after. The transition to chronic pain is likely multifactorial involving biological as well as psychosocial factors. Understanding the factors that promote the transition to chronic pain or recovery from the acute incident are critical to development of novel therapeutics, and guide future treatments to reduce the risk of chronic pain. Preclinical studies have examined a variety of potential mechanisms that involve the peripheral and central nervous system as well as the immune and endocrine systems. Clinical studies show strong evidence for a variety of patient reported outcomes including pain and psychological factors. Emerging evidence is beginning to examine biological factors in clinical populations. Dr. Sluka will discuss preclinical and clinical data on mechanisms and risks for the development of chronic pain. She will further discuss the Acute to Chronic Pain Transitions Program, a large-scale study to develop a biosignature that predicts the development of chronic pain after surgery.
Speakers:
Professor Kathleen Sluka, University of Iowa, USA
Dr Leanne Parker, Pain Services, Christchurch
1E: Paediatric rehabilitation services and interventions fit for Aotearoa New Zealand: International trends, local evidence, and implications for best possible care of children with neurodisability & their whanau
Chair: A/ Professor Fiona Graham, University of Otago, Dunedin
Analysis of AoNZ population data from health, education, and social services provides a unique opportunity to examine young people with neurodisability. This includes insights into the:
• Type and severity of neurodisability occurring in paediatric populations by gender, ethnicity, and age.
• Co-existing mental health conditions that commonly occur in young people with neurodisability
• Patterns of service access to mental health and education support
Alongside this population perspective, insights from qualitative research with families where a young person is living with neurodisability, inform the critical gaps in service access and provide data to support shaping of clinical care services to better meet the needs of young people and their families. Research examples include transition to school-based services, access to services for Pacific families, and the challenge of coaching methods within current rehabilitation services.
Research shared will be paired with small and large group discussion, reflecting on international service delivery models, patterns of access, innovations and future directions.
Speakers:
A/ Professor Fiona Graham, University of Otago, Dunedin
Dr Jimmy Chong, Starship Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Auckland
Dr Rebecca Slykerman, University of Auckland, Auckland
1F: Free Paper Session: Neurorehabilitation
Concurrent Sessions 2
Tuesday 22 July 2025 1.30pm - 3.00pm
2A: Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation of common conditions in rehabilitation wards
Chair: Professor Steven Faux, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, NSW
Professor Steven Faux will chair the session and introduce the topic. Dr Frances Wise will discuss the evidence-based techniques used in the management of cardiac failure and COPD in community patients seen in the rehabilitation in the home program.
Prof Faux will discuss the multidisciplinary approaches to rehabilitation of patients following cardiac and pulmonary transplant and the medical management of organ transplantation.
Dr Chia will discuss the evidence-based treatment of patients with pulmonary artery hypertension complicating pulmonary and cardiac disease as well as connective tissue disease.
A panel discussion with a case presentation will follow.
Speakers:
Professor Steven Faux, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, NSW
Dr Frances Wise, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, NSW
Dr Karen Chia, Mona Vale Hospital, NSW
2B: Disability Inclusion and Rehabilitation in Pacific Island Nations
Chair: Dr Sumitha Gounden, Orange Health Service, NSW
This session will delve into critical topics that enhance our understanding and practices in the field of rehabilitation within Pacific Island Nations.
Firstly, we will explore the comprehensive understanding of disability inclusion, examining cultural perspectives and systemic challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in these communities. Next, we will tackle the challenges in providing amputee rehabilitation in Fiji, discussing barriers such as resource limitations and access to care, and how these can be overcome through innovative solutions. Following this, our focus will shift to binational collaboration between Australia and Fiji, highlighting effective partnerships that enhance education and address the unique rehabilitation needs of the Pacific Islands.
Finally, we will explore the opportunities for Paralympic sports in Pacific Island Nations, emphasizing how sports can promote inclusion, build community, and empower individuals with disabilities.
This workshop aims to foster dialogue, share best practices, and inspire collaboration, ultimately enhancing rehabilitation services and promoting inclusivity across the region. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities in the Pacific.
Speakers:
Dr Pratima Singh, Tamavua Hospital, Fiji
Ms Maria Waloki, Interplast Australia, Fiji
A/Professor Jagdish Maharaj, International Paralympic Classification Committee, QLD
2C: Inactive and alone – How do we increase activity and participation levels of stroke survivors in adult rehab units, to help maximise their potential recovery?
Chair: Dr Jonathan Armstrong, ABI Neurological Rehabilitation, Auckland
Studies show that stroke survivors spend large amounts of their day inactive and alone in inpatient rehabilitation (Selenitsch & Gill 2019). Neuroplasticity principles indicate that people need to experience movement and take part in meaningful activities to maximize recovery. High intensity rehabilitation in stroke survivors has been associated with reduced mortality rates, better functional outcomes, and improved mood. (Eng & Reime 2014).
Numerous studies recommend/identify the need for increasing activity levels of people post stroke, particularly in the early stage of recovery, in the inpatient setting. But how can we achieve this with the current resources and rehabilitation systems we have?
In this workshop we discuss the benefits and barriers to implementing change ideas/strategies to increase patient activity in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. We explore several ways to approach the challenges, involving the whole IDT and whanau as part of the solution. We provide opportunities for participants to discuss and identify barriers and opportunities in their areas of work.
Speakers:
Mr Mark Adams, Burwood Hospital, Waitaha Canterbury, Christchurch
Mr Jon Bagnall, Te Toka Tumai/Auckland City Hospital, Auckland
Dr Stephanie Thompson, Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley, Wellington
2D: Mild injury, major impact: evidence-based, trauma-informed management to promote recovery after motor vehicle crashes
Chair: Professor Ian D Cameron, University of Sydney, NSW
Mild to moderate road traffic injuries have major long-term impacts on psychological health, functioning and quality of life that are under-recognised and often poorly addressed. The importance of early recognition of psychological and other contextual factors can be underappreciated, missing the opportunity to promote better recovery.
This workshop will present the evidence on long-term impacts and cumulative burden associated with mild to moderate road traffic injury. It will discuss factors that indicate higher risk of poor recovery. The roles of compensation systems, environmental factors, personal resilience, psychological vulnerabilities and trauma-related reactions in together shaping recovery trajectories will then be explored using a biopsychosocial framework. Psychological and physiological aspects of recovery will be discussed.
The workshop will include real-world case studies and interactive components to examine how evidence-based principles can be applied in clinical practice to deliver timely, trauma-informed and comprehensive, person-focussed assessment and care that helps optimise recovery outcomes. Attendees will leave with a practical understanding on how to integrate these findings into clinical practice, when and how to intervene to ensure better management of people with road traffic injury.
The overarching objective of the workshop is to empower healthcare professionals to plan and deliver more tailored and effective interventions.
Speakers:
Professor Sarah Derrett, University of Otago, Otago
Dr Ilaria Pozzato, John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, NSW
Dr Annette Kifley, John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, NSW
2E: What Docs need to know about DoCs: A state of the art review
Chair: A/Professor Ian Baguley, Westmead Hospital, NSW
Disorders of Consciousness (DoCs) are conditions with altered self-awareness, often occurring after acquired brain injury. They represent a spectrum of states that occur across a continuum, from coma through to the minimally conscious state. At lower levels of consciousness, diagnosis can be complicated by cognitive-motor dissociation which can limit the person’s ability to interact with the clinician. While prognosis in affected individuals is always guarded, many people improve over protracted timeframes, warranting systematic management and active rehabilitation engagement. The approaches that different countries / medical systems have adopted to meet this challenge is quite variable, and poor management has the capacity to limit the quality of life of the person with DoC.
This session will present a technical and international state-of-the-art overview of the topic, discuss the impact of DoC on life expectancy and late mortality and provide a comparison and contrast of the experiences of managing DoC provided by experts from New Zealand and Australia. Time will be set aside for questions and interaction with the audience.
Speakers:
Dr Nathan Zasler, Concussion Care Centre of Virginia, USA
Dr Mithu Palit, Caulfield Hospital, VIC
Dr Soyoung Kim, ABI Rehabilitation New Zealand Ltd, Auckland
2F: Free Paper Session: Rehabilitation Research
3A: Navigating the Future: An exploration of innovative applications for merging advanced technology with traditional therapy in neurorehabilitation
Chair: Ms Vicki Abraham, Abraham OT Services, VIC
As robotic and sensory technologies evolve, along with ongoing research, the case for integration of this technology into multimodal environments across complex neurological clients becomes more compelling. This workshop focuses on the valuable role that advanced technology, specifically robotics, body weight support systems, sensory and wearable devices and virtual reality play, and demonstrate how technology can enhance functional outcomes for clients.
This workshop has combined the expertise of 2 leading clinics in Australia who use advanced technologies during multidisciplinary goal-based therapy to support clients with greater repetition of practice, engagement, motivation, real time biofeedback and awareness of their body’s functional movement. Participants will have a hands-on learning experience, hear about advanced technology research and real-world case studies demonstrating increased upper limb function by integrating robotics and sensory devices with traditional therapy. The workshop will present practice-based insights and innovations, offering attendees valuable knowledge and strategies for their own practice focusing on how advanced technology complements traditional therapy
The workshop will encourage collaborative discussions by providing a platform for exploring new ideas and solutions to the complexities of multimodal integration. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively implement and merge advanced technology with traditional therapy in neurorehabilitation.
Speakers:
Mr Jason Redhead, Royal Rehab, NSW
Mr Nick Snowden, Abraham OT Services, VIC
Mrs Jessica Beauman, Royal Rehab, NSW
3B: Returning to work following illness/injury: Personal journeys, rehabilitation models, and policy insight
Chair: Dr Jennifer Dunn, University of Otago, Christchurch
This workshop focuses on key return-to-work (RTW) strategies for people facing health-related challenges. It features four presentations that cover personal experiences, vocational rehabilitation models, and employment policies. The workshop is aimed to facilitate discussion around current vocational rehabilitation models, funding systems and employment policies and how they affect RTW for people with health-related challenges.
The workshop begins by discussing the importance of considering the context of RTW services, illustrated through a study on teachers exploring the challenges and facilitators affecting RTW following mild traumatic brain injuries. It shows the difficulties of implementing conventional strategies to support RTW in this work environment. It then synthesizes findings from a scoping review regarding RTW experiences for those with mild to moderate strokes. Following this, a model for early vocational rehabilitation is introduced, aimed at individuals with serious injuries or illnesses, starting within days or weeks of impairment. The benefits and challenges of implementing this model in rehabilitation settings will be highlighted.
Finally, the workshop critiques the construction of disability within vocational rehabilitation and employment policies, emphasizing the need for a more collaborative approach to work structures. It advocates for a shift in the discourse around vocational rehabilitation and disability employment in New Zealand.
Speakers:
Ms Kylie Head, University of Otago, Christchurch
Ms Rachael McCleary, University of Otago, Wellington
A/Professor Jo Fadyl, Auckland University of Technology , Auckland
Ms Christine Bloomfield, Auckland University of Technology , Auckland
3C: Inpatient Rehabilitation Strategies Targeting Acute Bed Flow – Getting the right patient to the right place faster!
Chair: Louise Sellars, NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation, NSW
Bed block in acute care is not uncommon and one of the groups that are bed blocked are those waiting to move to an inpatient rehabilitation bed. An easy and obvious solution is to increase the inpatient rehabilitation bed base. But are there alternative strategies that may be more cost effective and can improve the flow of patients needing rehabilitation?
Agency of Clinical Innovation (ACI) will present the recently updated “Rehabilitation Models of Care”. This is followed by presenters from NSW inner-city, metropolitan, and rural hospitals who will focus on more innovative rehabilitation models of care with an emphasis on proactive rehabilitation screening combined with early in-reach rehabilitation, fast tracking and facilitating certain groups of patients out of acute beds and into subacute rehabilitation beds, and the delivery of outreach rehabilitation services to smaller rural hospitals. We will explore how rehabilitation can be a play a role in alleviating bed block in acute care while delivering evidenced-based rehabilitation care for the right person in the right place at the right time.
Speakers:
Dr Sharon Wong, Nepean Hospital, NSW
Dr Jane Wu, St Vincents Hospital, NSW
A/Professor Louis Baggio, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, NSW
3D: From Challenges to Solutions: Advancing Chronic Pain Care Through Collaboration in Rehabilitation Medicine
Chair: Miss Anastasia Serafimovska, University of Sydney, NSW
Chronic pain remains one of the most complex challenges faced by rehabilitation professionals today. This workshop presents a collaborative approach to addressing these challenges by integrating the voices of caregivers, clinicians, and patients. Drawing from Phase I of a two-phase qualitative study, this session will examine the barriers and facilitators within the current Models of Care (MoC) and explore opportunities for advancing patient outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration.
The workshop will feature presentations from four key professionals across disciplines. Dr Lisa Vaccaro will highlight the often-overlooked experiences of caregivers, uncovering both challenges and opportunities. Miss Anastasia Serafimovska will share insights from clinicians navigating the day-to-day complexities of managing chronic pain. Dr Emma Zhao will provide a patient-focused perspective, redefining expectations and realities in rehabilitation. Dr Seema Radhakrishnan will integrate these perspectives, offering actionable solutions for collaborative, patient-centered care.
The session will consist of presentations, group discussions, and a plenary session, allowing attendees to actively engage in shaping practical strategies for rehabilitation professionals. With a focus on collaborative care models and evidence-based practice, this workshop offers a pathway for advancing chronic pain care through interdisciplinary approaches.
Speakers:
Dr Lisa Vaccaro, University of Sydney, NSW
Miss Anastasia Serafimovska, University of Sydney, NSW
Dr Seema Padmakumari Radhakrishnan, Westmead Hospital, NSW
Mrs Emma Zhao, RPAH Pain Management Centre, NSW
3E: Free Paper Session: Rehabilitation Services and Older People