Practical workshops exploring the latest in spinal cord injury care, research, and lived experience. Designed for clinicians, researchers, and community members alike, each session offers valuable insights and real-world applications.
Date & Time: Wednesday, 19 November 2025, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Speakers: Tania Goossen & Belinda McLeod (Spinal Life Australia)
Overview: This interactive session explores the pivotal role clinicians play in supporting people with SCI/D to return to work. It includes practical strategies for embedding vocational identity into therapy, an innovation showcase of assistive technologies, and lived experience reflections. Participants will gain tools and insights to challenge assumptions around disability, explore non-traditional roles post-injury, and promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
Date & Time: Wednesday 19 November 2025, 9.30 AM -11.30 AM
Speakers: Chau Do, Kiley Pershouse, Suzy Stoikov, and Emily Allan (Queensland Health)
Chair: Kiley Pershouse
Overview: This workshop will introduce attendees to the QuickStart model—an innovative, data-driven approach to spinal cord injury care in Queensland. The session will explore the development and core components of the QuickStart model, demonstrating how it uses clinical informatics and business intelligence tools to enhance decision-making, optimise resources, and improve patient outcomes. Participants will learn from the Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service team’s real-world experience in service delivery and evaluation, including key lessons learned and future directions for expanding impact. A panel Q&A and key message wrap-up will provide practical takeaways for applying similar innovations in other settings.
Date & Time: Wednesday, 19 November 2025, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Speaker: Candice Care-Unger
Overview: Sexuality has long been identified as a high priority for people living with Spinal Cord Injury, clinicians agree this is an important aspect of rehabilitation with positive attitudes and beliefs about the need for sexual rehabilitation, yet many members of the MDT report feeling ill prepared to address these concerns in meaningful ways. This interactive workshop is designed for skill acquisition so that all members of the treating team are clear about their opportunities for addressing sexuality in rehabilitation and have a wide range of non-pharmacology interventions for a variety of concerns following spinal cord injury. Using the PLISSIT model we will explore ways to address sexual rehabilitation in inpatient, outpatient and community settings. The workshop will include small group activities, videos, and opportunities to bring theory to practice, so that you can implement your knowledge and imbed your skills straight away.
Date & Time: Wednesday, 19 November 2025, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Speakers: Dr Evgeniya Zakharova-Luneva, Ms Rachel Jones, Mr Darren Meyers, Dr Samuel Yang, Adj Prof Thomas Lloyd, Dr Burcu Isler, Ms Jo-Anne Kemp, Dr Amy Nevin, Ms Emilie Gollan, and Ms Soo Oh
Overview: This collaborative workshop provides a comprehensive look at managing complex pressure injuries in SCI. The session includes clinical updates, lived experience perspectives, and multidisciplinary case studies. A major focus is placed on surgical, radiological, nutritional, and rehabilitation approaches, showcasing the value of integrated care. Through interactive discussion, attendees will learn how to approach complex cases collaboratively for better patient outcomes.
Date & Time: Wednesday, 19 November 2025, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Speakers: Dr Nicholas Aitcheson (Chair), Prof Michel Coppieters, Rebecca Madden, Timothy Bagshaw, Michael Deen, and Dr Niamh Jensen
Overview: This 3-hour workshop offers an interdisciplinary, whole-person approach to managing persistent pain in individuals with SCI. Covering current models of pain, it incorporates interactive case studies, small group activities, and therapeutic strategies from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychology. Participants will gain practical tools rooted in real-world clinical experience and research to help improve quality of life for people experiencing chronic SCI-related pain.
Date & Time: Wednesday, 19 November 2025, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Facilitators: Tim Geraghty, Kelsey Chapman, Delena Amsters, Jessie Mitchell (The Hopkins Centre and Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service),
Overview: Focusing on authentic, inclusive co-design in research, this session brings together people with SCI, clinicians, and academics. Through case studies, shared reflections, and collaborative discussion, participants will co-create a practical tool—such as a checklist—for best practice in co-design. The workshop emphasizes creating safe, dignified spaces for engagement and encourages inclusive research practices that can lead to more relevant, impactful outcomes.