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Pre-Conference Workshops

There will be three half day and one full day pre-conference workshop/s held on Tuesday 11 March 2014 at Cypress Lakes Resort, Hunter Valley.

Please note that there is an additional cost to attend pre-conference workshops.

Tuesday 11 March 2014

Half Day Pre-Conference Workshops

Working with infants with Cerebral Palsy - lessons from new research and future possibilities
9.00am - 12.30pm  |  Professor Roslyn Boyd 

Co-Presenters: Dr Andrea Guzzetta (Neonatal Neurologist, University of Pisa & General Movements Trust); Dr Koa Whittingham (Clinical Psychologist); Mrs Joanne George (Neonatal Physiotherapist) Queensland Cerebral Palsy Research Centre, The University of Queensland.

This workshop will focus on the lessons from recent and current research on working with infants with Cerebral Palsy and their families on early motor, manual, behavioural, attachment and maternal outcomes. 

The team have conducted and/ or participated in RCT’s of early upper limb training (UPBEAT), Positive Parenting (PREM Triple P, CP Triple P), neurobiological effects of Massage (PREMM) and recent developmental care at home studies for infants born preterm, and/with early brain injury and/or at risk of Cerebral Palsy.

The workshop will examine current methods for early detection of cerebral palsy using clinical tools and Advanced brain imaging (PREMMO and General Movements update). The potential utility of a recently conducted pilot RCT of a Parenting intervention with Acceptance and Commitment therapy in children with CP and their families (PACT) will be discussed as a model of environmental enrichment for infants with CP.

The workshop will highlight current evidence, present cases to highlight outcomes and discuss future possibilities for working with young infants with Cerebral Palsy and their families.

Course Objectives:
On completion the participant will be able to:

• Describe the current evidence for efficacy of motor, upper limb, psychological and parenting interventions on outcomes for infants with asymmetric brain lesions, and/or at risk of Cerebral Palsy
   
• Describe the current evidence for early detection of Cerebral Palsy
   
• Describe the potential critical elements for new early interventions for infants with Cerebral Palsy and their families

 
Skill level: All interested health professionals are invited to attend this workshop. No pre-requisites are required.

Who should attend?
This workshop will be suitable for all health professions, but will of particular interest to those working with infants/toddlers with Cerebral Palsy or at risk of CP and their families.

Supporting parents from diagnosis through the early years - lessons from research:  Psychological distress in parents of critically ill infants  
1.30pm - 5.00pm  |  Associate Professor Peter Anderson 

This workshop will focus on the experiences of parents who have an infant with a critical illness (i.e. those admitted to neonatal intensive care), in particular those born very preterm. 

The workshop will be divided into three sessions, each of the three sessions will include individual and small group activities, including discussions, think-tanks, and quizzes

Course objectives:
On completion, the participant will be able to:

• Describe the frequency and nature of psychological distress experienced by parents of critically ill infants
   
• Describe the impact that psychological distress can have on parenting and child development
   
• Describe methods for supporting parents of critically ill infants
   

Skill level: All interested health professionals are invited to attend this workshop.  Only a basic understanding of perinatal medicine and mental health is required. 

Who should attend?
This workshop will be suitable for all health professions, but will of particular interest to those working with infants/toddlers and their families.

Hip displacement in children with Cerebral Palsy: a national perspective on evidence based approach to surveillance and management
1.30pm - 5.00pm  |  Pam Thomason 

Presented by Pam Thomason and representatives from the national hip surveillance working party which includes physiotherapists from each state and an orthopaedic surgeon.

This workshop will present the evidence for hip surveillance and the management of hip displacement in children and adolescents with CP. Through interactive case presentations the participants will discuss hip surveillance and management strategies.

A practical component on how to evaluate and measure a pelvic radiograph and classification of hip pathology will be included. The evidence from recently published long term outcome studies will be summarised and presented highlighting gaps in the evidence and the opportunities for outcomes research.

Skill level: Prior knowledge of hip surveillance guidelines and some experience in working with children with CP would be helpful but not essential.

Who should attend?

• Physiotherapists
• Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Rehabilitation Specialists 
• Paediatrians involved in the care of children with CP
   

Full Day Pre-Conference Workshop

Electrical stimulation of the upper and lower limb in rehabilitation of children with Cerebral Palsy: an interactive workshop
9.00am - 5.00pm  |  Professor Natasha Lannin and Anita Mudge

This full-day introductory workshop will help develop your clinical skills and practical knowledge of electrical stimulation and its use in upper limb and lower limb rehabilitation.

This workshop will include a review of recent research. Participants will learn how to appropriately select parameters for using ES to enhance treatment, including parameter selections for rehab in pediatrics and for muscle strengthening.

The workshop includes hands-on practical sessions, which will ensure participants review the equipment in small working groups. Participants will benefit from prior exposure and knowledge of evidence-based practice and anatomy.

Course objectives:
On completion, the participant will be able to:

• Recognise current research which provides evidence for therapeutic and rehabilitative uses of functional electrical stimulation on the upper limb
   
• Identify the principle of electrode size, material, and placement technique
   
• Recognise/identify the guidelines and contraindications in working with electrical stimulation
   
• Identify and differentiate the use and choice of parameters for ES with different patient populations and for different diagnoses

 
Common questions this course will answer:

• Where should I put the electrodes?
• Can I use ES with a pediatric population?
• Should I have patients exercise with stimulation or not?

Skill level: Introductory

Who should attend:

• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Rehabilitation Specialists
• Therapy Assistants