Workshop (Clinical/Best Practice Implementation) ID 1984795 Laying the foundation for enhanced outcomes with activity-based therapies for Canadians with spinal cord injury or disease

• Published in: Topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation Vol. 29; no. Supplement; p. 239
• Main Authors: Kaiser, Anita, Donkers, Sarah, Hope Jervis Rademeyer, Walden, Kristen, Wolfe, Dalton L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frederick Allen Press Inc 01.09.2023; American Spinal Injury Association
• Subjects: Rehabilitation; Spinal cord injuries; Workshop Abstract
• ISSN: 1082-0744; 1945-5763
• DOI: 10.46292/sci23-1984795S

Background/ObjectivesFollowing an initial summit in March 2019, various Canadian stakeholders have collaborated within a Community of Practice (CoP) with a vision to increase the access to, and quality of activity-based therapies (ABT) for persons with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D). This workshop will describe key knowledge products and study findings emanating from working groups of the ABT CoP as well as a study initiated through the Canadian SCI Standing and Walking Module Group.Design/MethodsPriority areas were identified by consensus across the ABT CoP, leading to several studies and development of specific knowledge products. Key challenges included defining and standardizing ABT, gaps in knowledge/training and practice variation with a focus on achieving optimal timing, dosage and intensity of ABT. Various knowledge products and study findings related to these challenges will be presented, with audience interaction encouraged through polls and open discussion.ResultsPresentation highlights include a framework for structured reporting of ABT and a series of videos, pod-casts and information cards promoting ABT. In addition, a mixed methods study of Canadian physiotherapists demonstrated that ABTs were a much desired, yet not fully available treatment option. Therapists identified needs for more fulsome research partnerships, improved and more creative staffing models, enhanced training methods and the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance.ConclusionThe work of the ABT CoP will continue to focus on these and other priorities, with the ultimate goal of universal access and identification of approaches that will enhance outcomes for persons with SCI/D.