Dr. Michael Fehlings is joined by Dr. Andreas Demetriades to discuss his recent publication in Spinal Cord “Lessons from 19th-century Edinburgh: a perspective on paraplegia management from 1876”. This episode covers central pillars of spinal cord injury care in the 19th century and how lessons learned during this time period has shaped care today.  

Learning goals for the episode 

• Learn about multidisciplinary spinal cord injury care provided in resource-limited situations in 19th century Scotland
• Consider the importance of holistic multidisciplinary care in current times
• Reflect on the future of spinal cord injury care based on lessons from the past

What questions will be raised in this webinar/podcast?

• Introductory remarks from Michael Fehlings
• Michael Fehlings will ask guest(s) to summarize key points from the manuscript
• Michael Fehlings will discuss points with guest(s)
• Michael Fehlings will ask guest(s) about anticipated future directions for this work as well as clinical impact

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Could cooling the injured spinal cord offer a new approach to protecting neurological function after spinal cord injury (SCI)?

In this episode, we explore the potential of local hypothermia as a neuroprotective strategy for SCI, examining the biological rationale behind cooling the spinal cord and how this approach could help limit secondary injury.

The discussion looks at the latest developments in techniques and biomaterials designed to deliver targeted hypothermia directly to the injured spinal cord, as well as the challenges that need to be addressed before these approaches can become part of routine clinical care.

The episode also considers the current evidence and why further clinical trials are essential to establish the safety, effectiveness and future role of locally delivered hypothermia in spinal cord injury treatment.

Key take-home messages:

• Local hypothermia is one of the most biologically compelling neuroprotective strategies currently being explored in SCI.
• Improved techniques and biomaterials for delivering local hypothermia to the injured spinal cord are in development.
• Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate the potential of local hypothermia for SCI and determine its role in future treatment.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Dr. Alexander (Sasha) Rabchevsky joins Dr. Michael Fehlings to discuss autonomic and cardiovascular control after spinal cord injury, promising neuromodulation results, and the future of SCI research 

Learning goals:

• Cover the importance of autonomic function and cardiovascular control after SCI
• Discuss the impact of neuromodulation in SCI
• Provide an overview of future research directions in SCI 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Caroline Treanor chats with Dr. Michael Fehlings about degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) structured rehabilitation approaches as well as the highly anticipated upcoming ReMiDY trial. 

Learning objectives:

• What is degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and why is it important?
• Discussed the ReMiDY trial and the importance of evaluating structured rehabilitation for DCM
• Covered enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for DCM and the role of structured rehabilitation 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Dr. Michael Fehlings is joined by Dr. Chester Ho – one of the new Associate Editors at Spinal Cord.  The conversation covers Dr. Ho’s perspectives on the current state of spinal cord injury research and opportunities for implementing evidence-based approaches in the clinic. 

Learning goals:

• The concept of early surgical intervention for acute spinal cord injury was discussed
• The Canadian knowledge translation efforts to implement Time is Spine were reviewed
• Other key areas in spinal cord injury treatment were discussed 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Dr. Michael Fehlings is joined by Dr. Mohit Arora to discuss his recent publication in Spinal Cord “Evidence-based recommendations for health professionals to improve care of people with spinal cord injury and cognitive impairment: An update to the psychosocial clinical practice guide”. This episode covers the factors contributing cognitive impairment after SCI, cognitive screening approaches, and future directions for the field. 

Learning goals:

• Cognitive impairment after spinal cord injury is common, frequently overlooked, can occur immediately after injury, and arises from multiple contributing factors. If not proactively addressed, it can significantly compromise rehabilitation and long-term outcomes.
• Routine, validated cognitive screening should occur early and continue across the lifespan, supported by tailored communication strategies and person-centred care.
• We now have clear, evidence- and consensus-informed recommendations, but meaningful impact depends on system level implementation, including workforce training and supportive clinical environments.

What questions will be raised in this webinar/podcast?

• Introductory remarks from Michael Fehlings
• Michael Fehlings will ask guest(s) to summarize key points from the manuscript
• Michael Fehlings will discuss points with guest(s)
• Michael Fehlings will ask guest(s) about anticipated future directions for this work as well as clinical impact

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

The Engagement and Peer Support SIG would like to bring the audience through the story of peer support from a historical perspective to its research implications. Teri, Erik, Shane, and Gill will provide how peer support came to be, what it looks like and how different it is, the magic behind it, and how to transform that magic to measurable outcomes and impacts.

Speakers

• Shane Sweet, Associate Professor, McGill University, Canada
• Gill Hilton, Austin Health, Australia
• Erik Berndtsson, Outreach Development Manager, RG Active Rehabilitation, Sweden
• Teri Thorson, Manager, Peer Coaching and Outreach, SCI British Columbia, Canada

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Key points:

• International collaboration is required to produce research that can be interpreted and applied across different regions
• As outcome measures and collection methods continue to evolve a methodical approach to updating research best practices is required
• A larger focus should be on including the thoughts of persons with lived SCI experience when defining research questions

Speakers

Dr. Fin Biering-Sørensen

Dr Michael Fehlings

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

People with the lived experience of SCIs are one of the most vulnerable groups of in the world-both to the extreme heat and weather events which have increased in frequency because of climate change. Although health care professionals have an opportunity to educate their patients about actions they can use to protect themselves during these extreme weather events, many feel unprepared to discuss the topic. Moreover, health care professionals are beginning to experience moral distress about their inability to take action regarding this existential concern. The webinar will include participants from three continents and multiple disciplines. We will use the interactive platform mentimeter to facilitate the interaction of participants, expressing their feelings about climate change and about sharing their actions.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Key points:

• This podcast summarizes the results of a rigorous evaluation of the evidence for physiotherapy interventions in spinal cord injury using the GRADE methodology
• Muscle strengthening exercises are effective for partially paralyzed muscles with MRC Grade 3 and 4 strength
• Further evidence is required in the optimal management of severely paretic muscles

Speaker: 

Dr. Joanne Glinsky is an Associate Professor of Allied Health (Sydney Local Health District/University of Sydney) and a Senior Research fellow at the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation (Kolling Institute/University of Sydney). She has a strong interest in physiotherapy management of people with Spinal Cord Injury and has worked for over 25 years as a clinician, educator and researcher in this field.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Rebuilding a sense of meaning and purpose following trauma is a vital contributor to post-traumatic growth and adapting well to a spinal cord injury (SCI). This webinar shared the co-design process undertaken to develop a course that uses the concept of post-traumatic growth to foster a stronger sense of meaning and purpose after SCI. It presented the course facilitators' reflections on running the program for the last five years, its successes and challenges. Case studies were also used to demonstrate the impact of the course on participants.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Points:

• Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a common emergency condition that neurosurgeons and spine surgeons deal with.
• The long term consequences and the impact on the person dealing with CES are poorly defined.
• This podcast explores the impact of CES on the person, including pain and autonomic dysfunction, and management strategies which can be implemented by health care professionals.

Nish's Affiliation: Nisaharan Srikandarajah is a Consultant Neurosurgeon specialising in complex spine at The Walton Centre and an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at The University of Liverpool

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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• Helen Smith (Ms) Consultant Clinical Psychologist 
• Joe Robinson, Group member and co-facilitator, freelance artist and co-author of "The Very Alternative Guide to Spinal Cord Injury" 

SCI is a rare condition, not well-understood outside specialist centres. Those who walk again are seen as "lucky" and not "disabled". In fact they have invisible disabilities, which take a heavy toll. Spending time with others with similar experiences, can help with their frustration and isolation. The literature has tended to focus on physical and surgical considerations, not lived experience.

A group was created in 2010 at our SCI Centre, providing Peer Support and information (invited speakers). It has been evaluated with positive results, and not required significant resources. Members derive benfit from contributing as well as receiving. It was presented at SCI conferences, but so far has not been replicated, except for two recent versions in the voluntary sector.

Not all ambuplegic people suit a group approach, but members report feeling better-informed to manage their unique challenges, better in mood, and supported by others who understand.

 If you have any questions regarding this podcast, please contact Helen Smith at helen.smith35@nhs.net

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Dr. Michael G. Fehlings
discusses the future of stem cell therapies for spinal cord injury
with Intissar Mohcine & Asma Belarbi, high-school students from the Netherlands. 

Key points:

1) Stem cells are a promising therapeutic approach to repair the damaged spinal cord following injury.

2) Preclinical studies have shown exciting improvements in spinal cord structure and motor function.

3) A number of issues still need to be resolved before stem cell therapy can be successfully utilized in the clinical setting.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

The podcast for World SCI Day 2025, themed “Fall Prevention, Spinal Cord Protection,” focuses on raising awareness about the critical issue of fall-related spinal cord injuries and how they can be prevented. Falls are one of the leading causes of SCI worldwide, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and individuals in high-risk environments.

Discussion was based around the key risk factors contributing to falls, including environmental hazards, physical health issues, and lack of safety measures. Practical solutions, such as home and workplace safety tips, the importance of protective gear, and lifestyle adjustments, were shared to help listeners reduce their risk.

Additionally, the podcast explored the role of early intervention after a fall, advancements in SCI treatment, and the importance of rehabilitation. By raising awareness and sharing actionable advice, we aim to promote safer practices and protect spinal health globally.

On behalf of the ISCoS Prevention Committee, I am happy to invite you all to listen to this special SCI Day 2025 podcast and be a part of the movement to raise awareness.

Speakers (photos saved in Files)

1) Prof Belgin Erhan, MD

Chair, ISCoS Prevention Committee

Board Member, ISCoS

Professor and Faculty at Istanbul Medeniyet University, School of Medici

Head of the PMR Department at Istanbul Medeniyet University, School of Medicine

President, National Neurotoxin Society

2) Yannis Dionyssiotis, MD, MSc., PhD

Head of 2nd Medicine & Rehabilitation Department, National Rehabilitation Center (Ethniko Kentro Apokatastasis, EKA), Athens, Greece

A/Prof. of PMR, Medical School, University of Patras, Greece

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Key points:

1) The incidence and prevalence of spinal cord injury are rising due to an aging population, increased falls with incomplete cervical injuries and the impact of nontraumatic spinal cord injury.
2) With this increased incidence of traumatic and nontraumatic SCI, there is a growing need for Spinal Cord Injury Medicine specialists . This has resulted in increased training positions in the US.
3) However, many training positions in the US go unfilled and there is a growing need for trained SCI Medicine physicians. Proactive steps are needed to address this shortfall.

Host: Dr Michael Fehlings, Editor in Chief of Spinal Cord, Professor of Neurosurgery, Robert Campeau Family Foundation-Dr. CH Tator Chair in Brain and Spinal Cord Research, Vice Chairman Research), Co-Director Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto

Speakers

Dr Jason Silvestre is a resident Physician at the Medical University of South Carolina

Dr Robert Ravinsky is a dual-fellowship trained, dual board-certified (Canada & USA) orthopaedic spine surgeon, Department of Orthopaedics and Physical Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

The International Spinal Cord Injury Survey (InSCI) found that sleep problems rank among the top six most common and debilitating health issues for people with SCI — and are the second most likely to go untreated. 

While rehabilitation centres routinely manage issues like pain, spasticity, and bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction, sleep is often overlooked. 

Risk screening for sleep disorders is inconsistent and typically ad-hoc, and most centres refer suspected cases to sleep specialists for assessment and ongoing management. 

However, recent research shows it is feasible for rehabilitation centres to manage common, uncomplicated sleep disorders "in-house". In this podcast, we explore why sleep deserves more attention in SCI care— and how rehabilitation centres can take a more active approach.

Speakers

Marnie Graco, PhD

email: Marnie.GRACO@austin.org.au

Implementation Scientist | Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia

Nancy Gray MND Research Post-Doctoral Fellow (MNDRA)

Senior Fellow | Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia

Hardeep Singh Kainth, MD, FAAPMR, Dip. SCI Medicine

Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

Medical Lead, Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, Edmonton, Canada

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Key points:

1. Key sensory afferent pathways from the urinary bladder to the spinal cord often remain intact in spinal cord injuries above the level of the conus medullaris.

 b) The urinary bladder wall urothelial cells, sensory nerves, interstitial cells, smooth muscle cells and the chemo/mechanosensors in the urethral paraneurons or “brush cells” play a key role in bladder neurophysiology.

 c) Knowledge regarding the sensory afferent pathways from the bladder could guide future neuromodulation therapeutic options for the neurogenic bladder after SCI.

Spinal Cord Journal

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Dr. Michael Fehlings - Professor of Neurosurgery, Robert Campeau Family Foundation-Dr. CH Tator Chair in Brain and Spinal Cord Research, Vice Chairman Research), Co-Director Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto and Editor in Chief of Spinal Cord.

Dr Carlotte Kiekens - Head of the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit at Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS MultiMedica in Milan, Italy

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

In this episode, Dr François Theron and Dr Federico Montero preview the upcoming 4th ISCoS International Regional Symposia, to be held on 18–19 July 2025 at the Rebouças Convention Center, São Paulo, Brazil.

They share what makes this year’s symposia exceptional — from the diversity of its global speaker faculty to the urgent clinical and scientific themes being addressed. Together, they explore how the event will bring together spinal cord injury specialists, researchers, and rehabilitation professionals across Latin America and beyond.

Whether you're an experienced clinician, early-career researcher, or allied health professional, this episode highlights why the ISCoS Regional Symposia 2025 is a must-attend event for anyone shaping the future of SCI care.

🗓️ Event Dates: 18–19 July 2025
📍 Location: Rebouças Convention Center, São Paulo, Brazil
🔗 Register now: https://iscossymposia4.org/

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Dr. Michael Fehlings - Professor of Neurosurgery, Robert Campeau Family Foundation-Dr. CH Tator Chair in Brain and Spinal Cord Research, Vice Chairman Research), Co-Director Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto and Editor in Chief of Spinal Cord.

Prof. Ashley Craig - Professor at Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Traumatic SCI is a relatively common occurrence in rural areas of low income countries. However, rehabilitation services in these areas are either unavailable or inaccessible by the majority. Psychosocial services are scarce and hardly tailored towards a diagnosis such as traumatic SCI. Left with no option, healthcare professionals such as nurses, medical doctors, surgeons and therapists take responsibility of using their general counselling skills to provide some psychological support to persons with SCI, with variable outcomes. Training psychological aspects to healthcare providers at all levels and formal involvement of local social support groups such as; religious leaders, peer group trainers and family in supporting persons with SCI in the continuum of care in resource constrained areas is crucial. Still, there is a need for a more formal and consistent SCI-specific psychosocial counselling and support for persons with SCI in these setting.

This webinar promotes the Professor Paul Kennedy Legacy Scholarship for Psychology and showcases how the 2024 winner has benefitted from this award. The 2025 Scholarship is currently open – for further information and to request an application form contact bht.nsicpsychology@nhs.net

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

ISCoS OT and PT SIGs SCI Pre Workshop Day

“Implementation of WHO:s Rehab 2030, Package of Interventions”

How do we implement available research into interventions in our daily work?

Speaker details:

Guillermo Gomez, Physiotherapist from Buenos Aires, Argentina and Johanna Wangdell OT, PhD. Department of Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy at Sahlgrenska University hospital

Gothenburg Sweden

Current Chairperson of the International Network of Spinal Cord Injury Physiotherapists (SCIPT) and the ISCoS Physiotherapists Special Interest Group.

Current ALME – SLAP Vice chair (Latin American and Caribbean SCI Association).

What the workshop is:

Educational day with focus on implementation of research and to share clinical practice.

OT and PT have separate programs before lunch and a joint program in the afternoon.

Objectives:

To update and train participating colleagues on different topics and aspects dedicated to the management of people with SCI, oriented towards the rehabilitation work of OT and PT, and how do we implement available research into interventions in our daily work?

Our aim is not to be scientific, but to focus on implementing science. We will use WHO:s Package of Interventions as our framework to highlight that material as well.

Why you are doing it:

The main idea was born from a need of the OT and PT executive committees to hold a pre-day workshop for all colleagues attending the ISCOS annual congress to improve their knowledge in the field of SCI.

We hope that this can attract more OT/PTs to the scientific conference as well as making ISCOS more relevant for OT/PT. We would like to see this workshop as a complement to the scientific congress.

Why people should join:

Take advantage of this pre-workshop day to increase your experience and knowledge of the work of OT and PT within the rehabilitation team for people with SCI. We have speakers from different regions of the world who will cover the most interesting topics, assistive technology, tenodesis grip, functional arm-hand training, electrical stimulation, community based therapy, trunk muscle function, guidelines, wheelchair, among other…

The participants who do research will still present their research at the congress and we create a forum for discussions on how to implement new knowledge in the pre workshop.

When:

Gothenburg, October 8th, 2025. 9.00-17.30

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

The SCI Care: What Really Matters podcast aims to provide valuable insights and the most up-to-date information for those providing care to people with spinal cord injury (SCI) worldwide. The vision of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) is to "facilitate healthy and inclusive lives for people with spinal cord injury or dysfunction globally".

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

The International Spinal Cord Society and Wellspect present a transformative discussion on changing care perspectives for individuals with spinal cord injuries, featuring leading medical experts Dr Charalampos Konstantinidis from the National Rehabilitation Centre and Dr Christina-Anastasia Rapidi from the General Hospital of Athens. Host Kristijan Kesinovic guides the conversation through critical aspects of rehabilitation and long-term wellbeing, with particular emphasis on bladder management during both acute and chronic phases.

These experts share valuable insights on transitioning from initial care to long-term independence, including crucial discussions on sexual health and fertility options. Dr Konstantinidis addresses fertility possibilities for both men and women, whilst Dr Rapidi emphasises the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation approaches. Their discussion underscores the vital shift from viewing people as perpetual patients to recognising them as individuals with full life possibilities, highlighting the importance of specialised healthcare support throughout their journey.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

In this episode, host Rima Kamal (Wellspect) explores the complexities of caring for children with spina bifida with Dr Fahad Alyami, Head of the Saudi Paediatric Urology Group and Associate Professor at King Faisal Specialty Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh. The discussion delves into the critical aspects of paediatric care for those with spina bifida, from early intervention to adolescent transition. Dr Alyami explains the importance of bladder management from birth, the challenges families face in daily care routines, and the crucial role of multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

The conversation addresses key aspects of paediatric care, particularly the transition from childhood to adult healthcare services. Dr Alyami emphasises the significance of specialised spina bifida clinics where multiple specialists can coordinate care under one roof, highlighting the development of transitional urology as a subspecialty to bridge the gap between paediatric and adult care. The discussion concludes with inspiring success stories of individuals with spina bifida who have gone on to lead fulfilling lives, including having families of their own, demonstrating how proper medical care and support can positively impact life outcomes.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

In this episode, released to coincide with World Spina Bifida Day, host Anders Tennby (Wellspect) explores the challenges and opportunities in improving life quality for those with spina bifida. Joined by experts Hanna Gabrielsson from Sweden and Pierre Mertens from Belgium, the discussion delves into the complexities of this congenital disorder. Gabrielsson, a registered nurse with a thesis on adults with spina bifida, explains the condition's medical aspects and the challenges individuals face, including the need for consistent self-care and the impact of cognitive impairments. Mertens, president of Child-Help International and father to a daughter with spina bifida, brings a personal perspective, highlighting global disparities in care and support.

Resources Mentioned

• Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida (spinabifidaassociation.org)
• International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ifglobal.org)
• NOSCOC Special Interest Group on Spina Bifida (noscos.org)
• Child-Help International (www.child-help.international)
• MMCUP (Swedish national quality register for spina bifida) (mmcup.se)

Note on Prevalence Rates: During the podcast, there was a discussion about the prevalence of spina bifida. It's important to clarify that prevalence rates can vary significantly between regions and depending on whether prenatal diagnoses are included. In Sweden, for example, the estimated prevalence before prenatal screening is approximately 5 per 10,000, but the actual number of children born with spina bifida is considerably lower, at about 5-10 children per year (or 1 per 100,000 newborns). Globally, reliable incidence studies are lacking, especially in the Global South where many cases may not reach hospitals. Reported figures vary widely, from as high as 14 neural tube defects per 1,000 births in some areas to as low as 1 in 10,000 in others. This wide range highlights the need for more comprehensive and standardised global data collection on spina bifida prevalence.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

As anticipation builds for the 63rd Annual Meeting of the International Spinal Cord Society, Professor Micheal Fehlings shares his excitement with Dr Stolwijk-Swuste, a Rehabilitation specialist and Associate Professor at De Hoogstraat Revalidatie. 

Our hosts invite the spinal cord community to this unique event, located in a charming and inspiring venue: A Room with a Zoo at Flanders Meeting & Convention Center, Antwerp.

This 3 day event unites leading experts in spinal cord injury care and research to share groundbreaking advancements and innovative solutions in the pursuit of bettering the lives of individuals living with, or caring for those with a spinal cord injury. 

To learn more about our interactive programme and to register your place, please visit: https://iscosmeetings2024.org

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

The Vison of ISCoS is to "facilitate healthy and inclusive lives for people with spinal cord injury or dysfunction globally". Partnership and collaboration is key in helping us to realise this vision. We are delighted that we have been able to partner with Wellspect to deliver, in addition to a number of webinars and podcasts, educational support for the ISCoS International Regional Symposia.

In this webinar, the 2nd ISCoS International Regional Symposium -  Sharing world knowledge for practical advancements will be discussed by the panel:

Dr. Ronald Reeves, MD , Chair of the ISCoS Education Committee, 

Dr. Francois Theron, MBChB, MMed,  Chair of the ISCoS Affiliated Societies and Networks Committee 

Professor Moon Suk Bang, MD, Phd, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Chair of the Local Organising Committee.

The panel highlight the work of the Korean Spinal Cord Society and spinal cord Injury care in Korea and discuss the work of the ISCoS Regional Symposia Initiative to promote multi-disciplinary, integrated care and training, the comprehensive care for which ISCoS is well known, within affiliated societies and regional networks.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to the future of Spinal Cord. 

In this episode, our hosts Dr. Fehlings and Professor Anthony S. Burns welcome us to a new era of ISCoS’s flagship journal, Spinal Cord. 

Conceptualised in 1963, Spinal Cord is a specialised, international journal that publishes peer-reviewed manuscripts, to showcase powerful medicinal insights and support those within the SCI community. 

Appearing monthly, both online and in print, Spinal Cord invites contributions on spinal cord anatomy, physiology, injury and associated disease management, and importantly, improving the quality of life for those living with a spinal cord injury. 

As this unique, interdisciplinary journal progresses into its next chapter, Dr. Fehlings and Professor Anthony S. Burns have initiated an open call for Associate Editors to join their team of esteemed doctors, researchers and practitioners in bringing this journal to life. 

To apply for this role, please visit: Call for Application: Associate Editors of Spinal Cord | Spinal Cord (nature.com)

Or to learn more about Spinal Cord, please visit: Journal Information | Spinal Cord (nature.com)

SCI Care Guidelines

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.

This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

The SCI Care: What really Matters podcast aims to provide valuable insights and the most up-to-date information for those providing care to people with spinal cord injury (SCI) worldwide. The vision of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) is to "facilitate healthy and inclusive lives for people with spinal cord injury or dysfunction globally".

Partnership and collaboration are key to achieving this vision. Our episodes include expert guests, persons with lived experience and representatives from the industry supporting SCI care.

We invite you to:
ISCoS 2024 will take place in Antwerp, Belgium 22 - 25 September 2024

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Managing bladder and bowel health is a critical, yet often overlooked aspect of patient care, especially for those with spinal cord injuries (SCI). 

In a recent podcast episode host, Tracey Tattam, a Nurse Educator at the Spinal Injuries Unit Queensland, Australia is joined by Josefin Oja, a nurse and urotherapist at the spinal cord injury department Umeå, Sweden and Maria Moschovou, a specialist rehabilitation nurse at the Linköping University Hospital Rehabilitation department. They discuss and explore factors important for being compliant with the therapy and long-term compliance, the possible barriers that arise, how to overcome these, and the importance of a healthy bladder and bowel.

The initial phase of rehabilitation for newly injured SCI patients can be overwhelming. The sudden influx of information, coupled with the intimate nature of bladder and bowel care, often leaves patients feeling vulnerable. Josefin emphasises the need for educational materials that are not only concise but personalised to the individual's needs. A key factor in successful management is establishing a routine that is as close to the patient's pre-injury habits as possible, adapting techniques to their unique situations.

Long-term challenges also persist. As Maria notes, methods that were effective during initial rehabilitation may not suffice as time moves on. Patients often return, desperate for solutions to new or evolving issues. This highlights the need for continuous support and follow-up, ensuring that care plans adapt over time. A notable aspect of long-term management is addressing the cultural sensitivities of caring for patients from diverse backgrounds. This requires not only a deep understanding of different cultures but also strategies to introduce and discuss intimate care products in a respectful and effective manner.

Both experts stress the importance of education – for patients and healthcare professionals alike.  Using smart, simple solutions over complicated or invasive procedures can prove to be more effective.  

Our panel agreed that the management of bladder and bowel health for SCI patients is complex. Healthcare professionals can empower patients to lead healthier, more independent lives through education, patience, and continuous improvement of care plans.

We hope you enjoy listening. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this episode, guest host Dr Kimberley Monden explores the world of SCI clinical research and rehabilitation medicine, exploring patient perspectives and life before, during, and after participation in SCI clinical research with Dr Trumbower, an associate professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and Director of the spinal cord injury division at Spalding Rehab Hospital, and the director of the Inspire Lab at Spaulding Rehab Hospital. 

We also have a participant, Arthur Holt, who will share his experience with Dr Trumbower of the ANEUVO Exostim trial that took place at Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital.

Listen as Arthur shares his first-hand account of his journey at Spaulding Rehab Hospital, where he reclaimed vital hand functions, as well as the importance of having the right mindset when it comes to rehabilitation.

Dr. Trumbower concludes their conversation by sharing how much potential this study, and others like it, have for the spinal cord injury community whilst also emphasising how much more work there is to be done.

We hope you enjoy this enlightening episode of the podcast!

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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This webinar, in partnership with Wellspect, aims to raise awareness of these issues. Originally recorded as a webinar, we decided to release it as a podcast as well. We hope you enjoy listening.

This episode will cover bladder and bowel management during the different stages of a woman's life, overcoming barriers to break the taboo in discussing such issues, the challenges and risks of becoming a mother with a spinal cord injury and the importance of a good bladder and bowel routine will have on your self-confidence all leading to empowerment and a better quality of life. 

To do this, host Ami Kivi, Global Product Manager Urology, Wellspect invites Dr Maria Gyhagen, Associate Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sahlgrenska University at Gothenburg University and Inge Eriks-Hoogland, head of the outpatient department of the Swiss Paraplegic Centre, to shed light on this pressing women's health issue. Their groundbreaking research and advocacy work reveal the widespread impact of these disorders and pioneer new paths in care and empowerment for affected individuals.

The prevalence of pelvic floor disorders, such as incontinence and genital prolapse, severely impacts quality of life. Dr Gyhagen's research focuses on the functional dynamics of the pelvic floor, especially post-childbirth, emphasising its multifaceted effects, including compromised self-esteem and sexual dysfunction. She stresses the importance of early diagnosis and targeted support, which are often overlooked in healthcare. 

Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury Calculator https://www.sphinctercalc.com/

UR-CHOICE Pelvic Floor Disorders Risk Calculator: https://riskcalc.org/UR_CHOICE/

Dr Eriks-Hoogland's expertise in spinal cord injuries highlights the unique challenges faced by spinal cord-injured women during pregnancy and childbirth. The podcast highlights heightened risks and the necessity for informed choices and collaborative clinical approaches, ensuring active participation in health decisions. Standardised guidelines in gynaecological care play a vital role in empowering patients and improving care protocols, advocating for a more predictive healthcare approach and addressing societal taboos surrounding pelvic floor disorders through greater awareness and dialogue. 

SCI Care Guidelines https://register.awmf.org/de/leitlinien/detail/179-014

We hope you will enjoy this episode. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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This episode follows on from our previous webinar "Exploring Sexual Dysfunction," hosted by Francescapaola Polli, Enterology Product Manager for Wellspect in Italy.

Returning guests Dr Marcalee Alexander and Dr Gianluca Sampogna provide invaluable guidance on overcoming sexual challenges and achieving fulfilling sexual lives after spinal cord injury.

From discussing the role of sex toys in enhancing pleasure to emphasising the importance of bladder and bowel management for sexual activity, Drs Alexander and Sampogna offer practical advice and explore misconceptions surrounding sexual function post-injury.

Listeners will gain insights into various aspects, including the impact of accidents during sexual activity, strategies for adolescents navigating sexuality, and fertility considerations for both men and women with spinal cord injuries.

Resources
Everlasting Love: A series is brought to you by Sustain Our Abilities with funding from the Paralyzed Veterans of American Education and Training Foundation.
https://vimeo.com/everlastinglove

Sexual Sustainability: A guide to having a great sex life with a spinal cord disorder by Dr Marcalee Alexander 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sexual-Sustainability-having-spinal-disorder/dp/B08L4969TV

Italian Edition
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0976533N9
Hindi Version
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B099X53TRQ
Spanish Version
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B087G31KBG

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this episode of the podcast, in partnership with Wellspect, host Lisa Beauchemin talks to her colleagues Katherine Fernandez and Dr Lawrence (Larry) Vogel about bladder and bowel management in paediatric spinal cord dysfunction.

They discuss physical health alongside social health and lifestyle factors that need to be considered, especially when working with children and teenagers. Being a teenager is challenging enough without the disruption of incontinence. Ultimately, the team aims to help their patients achieve a high quality of life and strive for independence as early as possible.

Dr Vogel also highlights the importance of anticipatory guidance, letting patients and their families know what will happen as their child ages and develops.

We hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this bonus episode, we talk to an SCI grant recipient, Kamrunnaher Koly, from Bangladesh, about her work as a researcher, the new work-care rehabilitation pathway for spinal cord patients in Bangladesh, and how she found her first experience at the ISCoS conference.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this bonus episode, we sit down for a conversation with Kathy Zebracki, a clinical psychologist from Shriners Children's, Chicago, and Julian Taylor from Toledo's National Paraplegic Hospital in Spain to learn all about the first-ever paediatric spinal cord injury Special Interest Group (SIG) for ISCoS.

Kathy and Julian reveal their ambitions of gathering an international team of experts to focus on this niche medical field, emphasising the need for a multidisciplinary approach.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this bonus episode, we spoke with Bill Barrable, Vanessa Noonan, John Chernesky and Barry Monroe of Praxis as they discuss the 62nd ISCoS scientific meeting and the role of their organisation in setting best practices for managing spinal cord injury and rehabilitation. 

They also discuss the challenges and strategies of involving those with lived experience in planning and participation programs, particularly in regions with prevalent SCI.  

We hope you enjoy listening. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this episode,  Christine Hendry, CEO of the Spinal Research Institute, chats with two standout grant recipients for ISCoS 2023, Jacob Schoffl and Kiera Tranter to discuss their research.  Jacob discusses research on the effects of spinal cord injury on autonomic and psychosocial health. Meanwhile, Kiera, a physiotherapist shares her invaluable insights on clinical practice guidelines. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this bonus episode, Eric Weertz and Geraldine Jacquemin discuss the work of the ISCOS Disaster Committee and the unique difficulties faced in conflict settings that they support, including developing the ISCoS SCI toolkit. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this episode, Spinal Research Institute CEO, Kristine Hendry interviews grant awardee Dr. Haleluya Moshi from Tanzania.  Dr Moshi discusses his research on traumatic spinal cord injury in rural areas. Listen as he shares his experience at ISCoS 2023.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this episode, Dr Samford Wong, Chair of the newly formed nutrition special interest group, is joined by fellow group members Sharon Lee, Firas Sarhan and Hanne Bjorg Slettahjell as they discuss the plans and developments for this  SIG.  There will also be a Nutrition SIG workshop to be held in ISCoS 2024, more details to come.  

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this bonus episode, Kristine Hendry, CEO of The Spinal Research Institute, interviews Robert Buren, a researcher studying at the University of British Columbia, Canada and SRI grant awardee, on his research highlighting the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy in managing neuropathic pain and attending benefits of ISCoS 2023. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this episode, Candice Care-Unger is a renowned psychosexual therapist and specialist social worker from Sydney. Candice shares her insights on attending the pre-conference psychosocial day.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this bonus episode, Beth Collins, a clinical lead at Wellspect Healthcare, interviews colleague and friend Sallyanne Haigh on her recent surgery experience in a non-spinal setting. They discuss the significant gaps in SCI care and the lack of training and knowledge within these settings. 

Sallyanne shares that despite the successful surgery, the post-op care she received was inadequate due to a lack of understanding of SCI. This experience highlights the urgent need for improved training and education for carers and nurses in non-spinal settings as many patients with SCIs report feeling neglected and misunderstood.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this bonus episode, we talk about a new federally funded research project that involves ISCoS members Professors Allen Heinemann, Jane Duff, Marcel Post, and Ashley Craig. 

They are working on an international comparative study of rehabilitation length of stay for people living with spinal cord injuries. What's the ultimate balance between prolonged stays and swift discharge for spinal cord injury patients?

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Claire Lomas MBE welcomed over 900 participants to the recent 62nd ISCoS meeting in Edinburgh. She shared her moving story from her life before a spinal cord injury to the difficulties she faced immediately after to the triumphs she enjoys since she grieved the life she lost and accepted the life she now has, ultimately changing her future. In this episode. Rober Buren shares his own challenges and triumphs as Canada's first paraplegic Iron Man and continues the conversation with Claire. 

We hope you enjoy listening. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this bonus episode, we caught up with Mohit Arora, Senior Research Fellow and Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney talking with student and colleague PhD student Jacob Shoffl at the Psychosocial pre-conference day on the 8th Oct during ISCoS 2023. They discuss their biggest takeaways of the day and why they are ISCoS members. 

We hope you enjoy it. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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Welcome to  SCI Care: What really Matters, Edinburgh conversations. This is a series of discussions recorded live during the #ISCoS2023 meeting. 

Our guests include Debbie Green, the Chair of the Nurse Special Interest Group, Tracey Tattam, a renowned nurse educator, Veronika Geng from Germany, and Letitia Graves from Houston share valuable insights and their involvement in the International Spinal Court Society's Special Interest Group. One of the focal points of discussion is the group's innovative efforts to launch a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) designed to uplift SCI nursing on a global level.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this episode, Dr Ali Jamous talks to Claire Lomas MBE taking us through Claire's remarkable journey from a devastating accident to finding a new purpose in life.

Claire shares her experiences from before her accident and the difficult early years of recovering from her injury and when hope seemed lost. She will discuss the little steps that made the biggest impact on her rehabilitation, and it was all of the little steps that she has reach the triumphant goals of today from flying a microlight, riding a motorbike, and completing a number of marathons fundraising in excess of £850,000.

Offering invaluable advice Claire emphasises the importance of accepting help and taking small steps toward achieving big goals. Claire's story will inspire you and offer hope to all our listeners. 

We hope you enjoy this episode. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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Dr Abayomi Salawu is a neuro-rehabilitation consultant at Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust who is pioneering the use of virtual reality (VR) in rehabilitation. Dr Ram Hariharan is a consultant in spinal injuries at the Princess Royal Spinal Injuries and Rehabilitation Centre in Sheffield and the chair of the UK SCI Research Network.

Dr Hariharan and Dr Salawu got together at the recent BSPRM BASCIS Joint Annual Scientific Conference in Sheffield to discuss the remarkable ways in which VR is transforming patient care, particularly for those recovering from traumatic brain injuries and stroke. Dr Salawu's innovative approach creates a virtual environment where patients can safely practice rehabilitation exercises, aiding their recovery and fostering self-reliance. And VR is impacting the rehabilitation landscape beyond physical recovery. We hear how this technology can train patients in other important aspects of self-care, such as bladder and bowel management. Dr Salawu also explains the emerging use of VR in delivering specialised psychological therapies, such as eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) for managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. 

The insights from this conversation illuminate the transformative power of VR in rehabilitation and its potential to revolutionise patient care. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this enlightening discussion, host Dr Ram Hariharan, a consultant at the Princess Royal Spinal Cord Surgery Centre in Sheffield and Chair of the UK Spinal Cord Surgery Research Network, speaks with Mr Nigel Henderson, a former consultant at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and later the clinical director of the National Spinal Injury Centre. He was appointed Clinical Director of the NSIC for 5 years before his retirement from the NHS in 2018. This gave him the opportunity for closer involvement in developing spinal cord injury services locally and nationally. He served as a member, then chair, of the Spinal Cord Injury Committee of the NHS England Spinal Services Group concerned with service organisation, specification and commissioning.

He maintains his involvement with spinal cord injury as a Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research (SMSR) Trustee, and the SMSR's work is discussed in this episode. 

Mr Henderson explains the grant application process, providing valuable insights and guidance on securing funding for impactful research projects and that The SMSR prioritises funding research projects with the potential to improve the lives of those with spinal cord injuries. There is also great importance placed on reaching out to international researchers whilst investing in UK research. The Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research charity has evolved to focus on fundamental research topics impacting SCI patients’ quality of life: neuropathic pain management, UTI prevention, assistive technology and pressure ulcers. 

We hope you enjoy listening. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this episode, Dr Jennifer Coker has a  wonderful discussion with the Spinal Research Institute CEO Kristine Hendry and Emma Peleg, the International Spinal Cord Research Collaborations Manager and the importance of their partnership with ISCoS and offering grants to early career researchers to attend ISCoS meetings throughout the years including ISCoS 2022. 

Enjoy listening. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this bonus episode, Dr Jennifer Coker speaks with Merna Seliman and Nattha Boonthanakorn about their experience as first-time attendees as SRI grantees and the importance of such grants. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this bonus conversation, Prof Ruth Marshall talks with Praxis Indigenous People’s Liaison Richard Peter. 

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In this episode, our ISCoS education chair Stephen Muldoon talks with Nepalese students Surjana Bootun and Bina Gywali to discuss attending ISCoS 2022 and what learnings they can take back to Nepal. Here is what they have to say

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this bonus episode, our team caught up with Sue Cross, a physiotherapist from Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Sue has now joined the ISCOS Education Committee, and in this conversation she discusses the importance of resources such as the ISCOS   eLearn and textbook and how beneficial it is to attend an ISCOS meeting in person and immerse yourself with your peers and like-minded people. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this bonus episode,  ISCOS President, Professor. Ruth Marshall and Walt Lawrence, an SCI peer mentor, who has worked tirelessly to help other people with SCI regain Hope and independence have a lovely discussion as Walt shares his story and their chance meeting in 1986. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this episode, Jennifer Coker chats with Dr Andrew Park, a colleague and friend from Craig Hospital. They talk about first-time attendees, light bulb moments, and coming out of isolation. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this episode, Dr. Jane Duff speaks with Ty Van Demon and Kimberly Monan to discuss the multidisciplinary attendance of the psychosocial pre-conference and how psychology and psychosocial care are so important in SCI. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this episode, we do things a little bit differently as we find out more about the company Aneuvo and who better than to interview founder Yi Kai than the company's VP of Global Marketing and Strategy, Katie Valez. 

We hope you enjoy it. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this bonus  episode, Eric Wetz and Geraldine Jman discuss the work the ISCOS Disaster Committee have been doing, covering how to help SCI patients in an area of crisis such as Afghanistan, as well as including distance learning and the work on the SCI toolkit ISCOS has been working on with the WHO.

We hope you enjoy it. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this conversation, Heather Pownall interviews Stephen Muldoon, the ISCOS Education Chair, during the ISCoS 2022 meeting in Vancouver. They discuss the value of both face-to-face conferences and virtual platforms, discussing their respective benefits and how they can complement each other to promote accessibility, education, and idea sharing in the field of spinal cord injury care.

We hope you enjoy it.  

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this inspirational episode, we have the privilege of hearing the unique patient perspective of a surgeon who operated on SCI patients prior to his own spinal injury. Mr Mohammed Belal is a consultant urologist who has treated many SCI patients during his medical career. In 2021 he had a cycling accident and sustained a spinal cord injury which saw him undergo many months of rehabilitation and treatment. He has recently returned to work as a surgeon. Here, he speaks with Dr Jane Duff, a consultant clinical psychologist at the National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, and ISCoS President-Elect, Dr Ali Jamous about his journey.

A positive mental outlook has been fundamental to Mr Belal’s ongoing recovery and rehabilitation, which he categorises into three key strands: the physical, mental and spiritual. Goal setting and managing expectations have also been important, recognising that rehabilitation is an ongoing process and that new challenges will arise along the way. His experience as a surgeon has clearly helped with this in terms of his in-depth knowledge of SCI care, but also in his disciplined and driven approach to recovery. He explains that one can maintain a positive mindset by seeing challenges as problems to be solved rather than insurmountable obstacles.

 “That's the beauty of about life. It's the challenges that really keep you going.”

Mr Belal also shares his honest views on the challenges of accessing community care and rehabilitation services after discharge, and the frustrations around this. He explains how clinicians can help by giving patients a sense of purpose with clear goals for rehabilitation. His own approach as a surgeon has certainly changed when it comes to understanding the profound changes and uncertainty his patients are dealing with.

“It's certainly made me a better doctor”.

This episode is a must for both SCI clinicians and patients as Mr Belal shares his vital insights and take-away messages from both sides of the experience. In particular, he highlights the importance of communication and empathy; managing acceptance and uncertainty with a positive outlook; and, crucially, holding on to gratitude and hope.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this episode of ‘SCI Care: What Really Matters’ we focus on sharing information on the technological innovations in our field with a discussion about transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS).

Our guest host for this episode is Dr Daniel Graves, Professor and Associate Dean of Research at the College of Rehabilitation Sciences and Vice-chairman of Rehabilitation Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University's Sidney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia. He is joined by Yi-Kai Lo, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of ANEUVO, the developers of ExaStim TSS. After working for many years in the electrical stimulation research field, Yi-Kai Lo realised there was a gap when it came to better technologies and tools for SCI patients, and he has made it his mission to bridge this gap by targeting the technology at this specific group of patients. Our second guest is Dr Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD Manager of Clinical Education and Training at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. Dr Martin previously worked as an occupational therapist before moving into research, motivated by the desire to find better treatment solutions for her patients.

Together this panel discuss the role of transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) in the SCI continuum of care, treatment goals for TSS, the current state of research, what patients are good candidates for TSS therapy and how to set expectations regarding patient outcomes, as it is important to manage patient expectations with this treatment, recognising that it is not a cure, but rather a complement to ongoing treatment and rehabilitation programmes.  

There is still much to learn about the possible outcomes of TSS, but the early signs are promising, particularly in terms of those areas which are a high priority for patients, such as bowel and bladder function. Any improvement in these areas makes a real difference to patients’ quality of life.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about developments in this research area. 

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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In this episode of ‘SCI Care: What really Matters’ we talk about how to reduce the risks associated with long-term intermittent catheterisation. Our host is John Thomson, clinical education manager for Wellspect, UK. John has worked in the medical device industry for over 20 years, having formerly been a nurse, and has worked in the field of intermittent catheterisation for approximately seven to eight years. He is joined by Diane Newman, a urology nurse practitioner from the US whose current practice involves the evaluation, treatment and management of bladder disorders, including the avoidance of dysfunction and related problems involved with the use of catheters and other devices. Our second guest is Veronika Geng, the head of an advisory centre for nutrition and digestion for spinal cord injured people in Lobbach, Germany. 

What are the practical tools and techniques for catheterisation and the design properties of different catheters which can reduce complications for long-term users? Our guests share their expert insight in this area. We also consider the pros and cons of sharing this information with patients and the importance of giving them informed choice when it comes to this very personal area of care. 

We discuss best practice for healthcare practitioners in ensuring that long-term users of intermittent catheters are performing the procedure safely, including the importance of the teaching, learning and dissemination of best practice guidelines for clinicians at all levels who might be involved in this kind of patient care. A vital part of this is remembering that each patient is unique and will be at a different stage of both their mental and physical recovery. Practitioners must keep this in mind when explaining the benefits of intermittent catheterisation over indwelling catheter use and work together with patients to make the process work for them.
 

Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, and SCI patients are part of a unique cohort who are dealing with a life-changing, but not necessarily a life-limiting, prognosis. Helping them come to terms with all aspects of their ongoing care and the practicalities of day-to-day life is one of the most challenging but rewarding parts of our work in SCI care. By supporting our patients in having the best possible health and care outcomes we can play our part in giving them long-lasting quality of life.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

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'It’s about making sure that the family can see how that's going to fit in with their child for the here and now, but also I'm very much thinking I've got to hand this child on to adult services with two good kidneys. It's about not just the continence, but keeping the kidneys healthy into adulthood.' – Dr Allison Graham 

Welcome to our next podcast instalment as we continue to cover the topics that matter within the care of SCI, engaging experts from all over the world. 

 In this episode host Catharina Cziczkat of Wellspect, Germany is joined by Jens Larsson from Skånes University Hospital SUS, Sweden and Dr Allison Graham of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, UK, to discuss the challenges of bowel and bladder care in patients navigating from childhood to becoming independent teenagers and adults. What’s the best way to go about this when dealing with sensitive areas such as catheterisation?

 To help us, our panel share their knowledge and experience, explaining how we make the transition to adult services workable for families with children in need of bladder and bowel management. What can we do to help teenagers to become independent, removing the responsibility from parents and placing this onto themselves? How do we motivate them? Building relationships and trust with families is key to achieving better quality of life in the short term, as well as working towards improving function and kidney health in the long-term. The ultimate goal is to ensure the transition from child to teenager is as smooth as possible, giving patients the tools and knowledge to empower them whilst avoiding complications. 

 'It's an embarrassing subject and, It's an area that you don't as a child, or even as a parent want to talk about. But you need to build that confidence with the family and, make them comfortable in talking to you about it as well. That's something I think is important, to give the families and the child as much information as possible.' ~ Jens Larsson

 Our panellists wholeheartedly agree that by working closely with the child's family whilst directly involving the child, treating our patients as individuals, and sharing all the available information, the process can be effectively managed, ensuring the transition from child to young adult to an independent adult is successful. 

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at admin@iscos.org.uk. You can also join the conversation on social media @ISCoSMeetings and @WellspectHC. And we hope to see many of you in person at the ISCoS 61st Annual Scientific Meeting this September in Vancouver.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice. This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to the second episode of series 3 – SCI Care: What really matters. 

Susie Charlifue introduces this episode with Tracey Tattam, a Nurse Educator at the Spinal Injuries Unit Queensland, Australia; Veronika Geng, Head of the Advisory Centre for Nutrition and Digestion for Spinal Cord Injured People in Lobbachand, Germany and Rachel Skews a Urology Nurse Practitioner, North Bristol NHS Trust as they share their wealth of knowledge on Neurogenic Bladder Management. 

In this episode, our panel discuss the importance of education for people with spinal cord injury, their family members, and importantly, the clinicians who manage their bladder needs. We learn about the various types of neurogenic bladder, the various management options available to people.  The importance of having a bladder management schedule that fits best with the person's life and lifestyle approaches to complication prevention and several tips for successful bladder management and hygiene. The importance of maintaining a fluid balance was emphasized. And it'll be varying depending on the bladder emptying technique.

Some people may need more fluids, some less, but monitoring is essential. We've also gained some information regarding bladder cancer in this very unique population. And we know that this warrants attention. All panellists agree on the critical importance of patient choice throughout the process of choosing bladder management programs, working as a team with the person who has the spinal cord injury is the approach that clinicians must embrace.

Ultimately,  it is that person's independence, quality of life and ability to engage in activities that are the goals. 

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at admin@iscos.org.uk. You can also join the conversation on social media @ISCoSMeetings and @WellspectHC. And we hope to see many of you in person at the ISCoS 61st Annual Scientific Meeting this September in Vancouver.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice. This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to the first episode of series 3 – SCI Care: What really matters. Our guest host is Maria Bergsten from Wellspect, who are partnering with ISCoS for this series of podcasts sharing stories, discussions and insights into bladder and bowel management as a critical part of SCI care – improving patients’ quality of life and feeling of dignity. This episode focuses on the different techniques and needs of catheterisation, with a particular focus on women, which is pertinent with the release date of this episode being on International Women’s Day.

Our guests this episode are Carin Bergfeldt, a Licensed Occupational Therapist and course leader at Aleris Rehab Station in Stockholm, Sweden, and Dr Letitia Graves, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, USA. Carin has over 20 years of experience in the care, rehabilitation and treatment of patients with spinal cord injuries and other neurological injuries/diseases, sharing her knowledge and expertise in spinal cord injuries, transfer technics, pressure ulcers and technical aids with patients, caregivers and clinicians.  Dr. Letitia Graves worked as a nurse on a spinal cord injury unit for several years before transitioning into academia and research. She serves on the Nursing Special Interest Group of ISCoS, part of whose mission is to increase awareness of specialised spinal cord injury, nursing care and to increase education and resources for individuals living with spinal cord injury, their family and caregivers, as well as other clinicians globally. 

We discuss the importance of independence and integrity for patients and how to promote and increase these, and our guests share their tips and tricks for successful self-catheterization. We also look at the increasing use of suprapubic catheters in patients with bad hand function and the correlation between their use and an increased risk of UTIs. Self-catheterization is challenging for both male and female patients but can be particularly difficult for women, both physically and emotionally. The therapist or clinician plays a vital role in increasing their patients’ confidence and crucially in pushing them to go further in their rehabilitation. Another key part of their role is in working with patients to find and create the right tools and instruments to make their lives easier. As we hear from Carin, this can involve a huge amount of invention, creativity and collaboration with patients, and this is one of the parts of her job she enjoys the most. For both Carin and Letitia the ultimate goal is to give their patients as much independence as possible, depending on their level of injury and circumstances.

For more advice and useful tips on coping with everyday challenges with a spinal cord injury go to www.spinalistips.se, or contact us directly with any questions or comments at admin@iscos.org.uk. You can also join the conversation on social media @ISCoSMeetings and @WellspectHC. And we hope to see many of you in person at the ISCoS 61st Annual Scientific Meeting this September in Vancouver.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice. This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to the 12th episode of series two of ‘SCI Care: What really matters’ and the third collaborative episode between the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) and Wellspect®.

In this podcast episode, we follow on from the recent webinar on the 'Importance of patient-centred care in neurogenic bladder and bowel management’, continuing the discussion with a particular focus on clinical practice.

Host Mr Grant Friedrich, Clinical Relations Manager for Wellspect Healthcare, is joined by Dr Ammirati, a medical doctor at the Complex Structure of Neuro-Urology of the Orthopedic Trauma Centre / Unipolar Spinal Unit of the "Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino", and Veronika Geng, Head of the Advisory Centre for Nutrition and Digestion for Spinal Cord Injured People in Lobbach, Germany. The discussion focusses on the advantages of patient-centred care in neurogenic bladder and bowel management, the importance of adherence to bladder and bowel management, and possible ways to improve adherence to bladder and bowel management. The panellists agree that the practitioner's role in the patient's journey is to guide, educate, and negotiate with the patient, ensuring they are included in all steps along the way as they navigate how to live with a spinal cord injury. By keeping the patient part of their healthcare decision-making process, goals will be realistic and the person’s individual and specific needs will be met.

The Vision of ISCoS is to "facilitate healthy and inclusive lives for people with spinal cord injury or dysfunction globally". Partnership and collaboration are key in helping us to realise this vision.

We are delighted that we have been able to partner with Wellspect on an inspiring and informative collection of webinars and podcasts.

We hope you enjoy listening.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member, please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk.  The 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting this September is available on-demand until January 2nd 2022, you can sign in or register here 

Work has begun for the 61st Annual Scientific Meeting 2022 you can register for updates here. 

This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownallof Heather's Media Hub@heathershub

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

In this episode of SCI Care: What really matters, Prof Ruth Marshall is joined by Prof Daniel (Dan) Graves, Editor-in-Chief of Spinal Cord and Spinal Cord Series and Cases. 

In this conversation, both Ruth and Dan share their thoughts on the recent 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting what they enjoyed from the social media updates and interactions to the talking posters, to the rich scientific programme and the inspiring and thought-provoking Guttmann Lecture given by Prof Charles Tator. They both agree that they very much hope to see each other in 2022 at the 61st Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting which will be held in person in Vancouver with online access. 

So what has the new Editor-in-Chief being doing since he took the post in January 2020? What top tips does he have for early career researchers getting published and becoming a reviewer? What are the future plans for both Spinal Cord and Spinal Cord Series and Cases? And how does he find the time? Tune in to find out. 

Thank you for listening.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member, please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk. 

This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

In our tenth episode of this series of SCI Care: What really matters, Prof Ruth Marshall is joined by her dear friend and colleague Dr Carlotte Kiekens. 

Dr Kiekens was one of our first ever guests on the podcast in series one as part of a panel discussing COVID-19: Current knowledge and best practices when we were just a few months into the pandemic. Now almost 18 months on Dr Kiekens is invited back onto the show to discuss what it was like when COVID-19 first hit in Italy in early 2020, what this meant and how it has changed the service that they now provide, what will continue into the future as well as the difference the vaccination is having.

Thank you for listening.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member, please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk. If you would like to register for the 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting this September, click here

This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to the ninth episode of series two of SCI Care: What Really Matters.

"The thrill of finding something new has never left me. I'm still looking to make people walk again." Prof Tator 

In this episode, Prof Ruth Marshall interviews Prof Charles Tator on what led him to neurosurgery, neurotrauma and SCI treatment. What came first treatment or research? They also discuss encouraging young researchers, mentorships, dual careers, working to prevent and friendships with the patient. 

You can also see Prof Tator at this years ISCoS ASM as he gives the Guttman lecture where he will speak on the thrills he had experienced as a Spinal Cord Injury Researcher, including when he met Prof Guttman in person. 

Thank you for listening.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member, please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk. If you would like to register for the 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting this September, click here

This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownallof Heather's Media Hub@heathershub

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

For this issue, we have collaborated with our educational partner Wellspect®. Rachael Chapple, the Global Urology Product Manager & Clinical Education Manager for Wellspect steps in as host joined by ISCoS President Prof Ruth Marshall and guest specialist Carina Andersson a nurse and urotherapist.

Listen to this wonderful discussion as both Prof Marshall and Carina Andersson share their wealth of experience from over the past 40 years and the changes they have witnessed in the practice of SCI patients covering efficient bladder management, the importance of keeping and ensuring a patients integrity and dignity and sex after an SCI injury. 

'Since I began to work with SCI patients the surgery has improved and with improvised spine surgery the length of stay in hospital had reduced. Previously, the patient was immobilised for 3 months to heal the fracture, and the most intensive training was on hold, now the training can begin much earlier, of course that’s depending on the level of injury and the need in care in the Intensive Care unit.'- Carina Andersson 

Carina Andersson is a nurse and urotherapist, working in a spinal cord injury department since 1986. The care unit at the University Hospital in the north of Sweden has 8 beds for SCI and traumatic damaged patients. She has participated in several of the international (ISCOS) and Nordic (NOSCOS) meetings as well as having an active part in the Nordic Spinal Cord Injury Registration (NSCIR) where all the SCI patients are registered. This register contains a lot of data from the acute phase as well as follow up period and contains data on quality of life, bladder and bowel management, ASIA-scores, hand function, sexuality etc with the purpose of aiding research of different aspects. Her work is concentrated on the patient's bladder, bowel and skin problems.  Since being both a nurse and urotherapist she follows a lot of MS patients as well as adults with spina bifida.

Rachael Chapple works for Wellspect and has a dual role as a Global Urology Product Manager & Clinical Education Manager and lives in the UK. Rachael originally qualified and worked as a Nurse, before joining the company over 25 years ago and has since had various sales & marketing roles and responsibilities within Wellspect. Combining product knowledge with clinical education helps to ensure we are continually striving to understand and meet the needs of our customers.

Special thanks to Wellspect for their support and partnership.

Thank you for listening.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member, please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk. If you would like to register for the 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting this September, click here

This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownallof Heather's Media Hub@heathershub

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to the seventh episode of series two of SCI Care: What Really Matters.

This week our host Prof Ruth Marshall interviews Prof Cathy Craven to discuss osteoporosis, bone health and spinal cord injury. Prof. Craven is a Clinician Scientist appointed as an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Toronto and has been in providing outpatient services to patients with spinal Cord injury in the community for over 19 years and is well acquainted with the physical, social and emotional berries to health after spinal cord injury. Prof. Craven’s clinical and research expertise is in the prevention and treatment of secondary health conditions among individuals living with spinal cord injury and their related health service needs. Her recent work has focused on the associations between changes in body composition and multimorbidity among individuals with chronic spinal cord injury.

Prof Marshall has an interest in osteoporosis after SCI and how this issue is investigated and treated and therefore had a number of questions ranging from what interested Prof Craven about bone health and what are her current research projects. Join them as they discuss this topic and the different areas Prof Craven works on and how COVID-19 affected her work. 

Thank you for listening.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member, please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk. If you would like to register for the 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting this September, click here

This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownallof Heather's Media Hub@heathershub

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Our sixth episode is all about ISCoS! Dr Jennifer Coker takes the host's seat once more to chat with Daniel Graves, Editor-in-Chief of Spinal Cord and Spinal Cord Series and Cases, the official journals of ISCoS, and chair of the ISCoS Education Committee, Stephen Muldoon.

Join them as they discuss their own history with ISCoS, when and why they became members, their roles within the society today and what you can expect at this year’s 60th Anniversary Scientific Meeting, from the programme to the virtual networking opportunities. They discuss the beginnings of ISCoS, the evolution of the society, and the new strategies and innovations which will take this society and its members into the future, connecting with a global community.

Thank you for listening.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member, please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk. If you would like to register for the 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting this September, click here.

This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownallof Heather's Media Hub@heathershub.

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

In this fifth episode, Prof Ruth Marshall is joined by Bev Collins, clinical lead nurse for Wellspect UK and Sallyanne Haigh, a nurse of 30 years, to discuss ‘a patients story.’

Sallyanne recounts her patient story starting six years ago when she sustained an L1 complete spinal cord injury during a horse-riding accident. Sallyanne shares all aspects of her journey from the very low points to embracing change and overcoming adversity. Through determination, passion, and understanding of her injury and bowel management for her individual needs, she took back control of her life, giving her freedom and dignity. As Prof Ruth Marshall states,'Providing the next education with regards to their [the patient's] body so they can make a decision about their care, their quality of life, their dignity and their freedom.'

Sallyanne continues to practice as a nurse and has become an ambassador, motivational speaker, and peer support provider as she shares her lived experience and professional knowledge through various charities. Wellspect have also launched a peer support service in which Sallyanne was heavily involved in the making of. In the words of Bev Collins, ‘this is an absolute game-changer in the care and support provided.’

Read Sallyanne's blog 'Back in the Saddle' 

Special thanks to Wellspect for their support and partnership.

Thank you for listening.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member, please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk. If you would like to register for the 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting this September, click here

This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownallof Heather's Media Hub@heathershub

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to the fourth episode of series two of SCI Care: What Really Matters.

This week Dr Jennifer Coker steps in as the podcast host to interview her friend, colleague and mentor Dr Susie Charlifue on the role of the caregiver and why it is essential to attend the ISCoS annual scientific meeting.

In this episode, Dr Charlifue shares the beginning of her research career, which stems from a focus on ageing with a spinal cord injury morphing into a focus on caregiver research. The interview continues as they explore the priorities of caregiving research and what were the realities of COVID-19 over the past 18 months.

Dr Charlifue is also the Program Chair for the ISCoS annual scientific meeting and shares what sessions she is most interested in seeing this year as well as some of the exciting features of this years meeting which will make networking easier, more spontaneous and fun. You can register here 

Thank you for listening.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member, please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk. If you would like to register for the 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting this September, click here

This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownallof Heather's Media Hub@heathershub

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to the third episode of series two of SCI Care: What Really Matters.

This week's guest is Dr Tony DiMarco, a leading respiratory physician who realised that people with high spinal cord injuries need help with breathing, resulting in the development of the endoscopic placement of diaphragmatic electrodes to enable patients to come off ventilators.

In this episode, Prof Ruth Marshall interviews Dr DiMarco to discuss his work and research. Dr DiMarco recognises that people with high SCI have other respiratory issues that need treatment. Together they explore the benefits of treating respiratory issues in persons with high SCI, including further independence from their caregiver, a higher quality of life, and reducing infection rates.

Furthermore Dr Di Marco launched the annual DiMarco Lecture at the ISCOS ASM in 2020 to ensure clinicians working in SCI medicine and research are kept up to date. The 2021 lecture will be presented by Prof Jane Butler on neural control of respiratory muscles and methods to improve their function after cervical spinal cord injury. Dr DiMarco will chair this session on the 1st October 2021. You can register here 

Thank you for listening.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk. If you would like to register for the 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting this September click here

This show is brought to you by ISCoS - you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownallof Heather's Media Hub@heathershub

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Here is the next instalment of SCI Care: What Really Matters Series 2. 

In this episode, Prof Ruth Marshall is joined by Dr Harvinder Chhabra, immediate past president of ISCoS and former host of this podcast to discuss infection-related myelopathy. Although it's a subject that has been around for a long time, there remains a lot of work to be done in terms of management, diagnosis, treatment and education around this major issue. A prevention and education strategy is needed for the many different groups that look after people with infections, including those of us working in spinal cord injury, where we look after people whose cord impairment is due to an infection.

Questions in this episode:

Why did it take so long for infection-related myelopathy to be recognised as a major cause of spinal cord impairment?

What can be done to recognise infection earlier?

What do we need to do to get our medical and surgical colleagues to recognise infections earlier?

What prevention strategies can we put in place?

Thank you for listening.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk if you would like to register for 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting this September click here

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownallof Heather's Media Hub@heathershub

*The opinions of our host and guests are their own.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to SCI Care: What Really Matters Series 2 and our very first episode of this series. As we celebrate 60 years of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) we will reflect on where we came from, where we are and what the future may hold for SCI Care. We invite you to join us for our 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting this September.  

And what better way to start our reflections than discuss the history of the sports wheelchair. In this fascinating episode, Prof Ruth Marshall is joined by Sam Brady, a PhD research student from the University of Glasgow.

In collaboration with the National Paralympic Heritage Trust, Sam’s thesis investigates the social, political and technical history of the sports wheelchair. He has also started new series of blog posts, covering anything from reflections on his research findings, funny stories from archive materials, or interesting facts about the history of sports wheelchairs. You can read the blogs here

Here is what our President and Podcast Host Prof Ruth Marshall has to say on this episode and the upcoming series:

‘As well, as a way of giving you an insight into some of our keynote speakers and other activities, we have relaunched our very successful foray into the world of podcasts: SCI Care: What really matters.

As the president of ISCoS, I am the host of several of these and having lots of fun working out questions to ask the speakers I am interviewing. The first podcast was an interview with a PhD student, Sam Brady, talking about his research into the history of sports wheelchairs – timely given the approaching Paralympics.

If you haven’t had a listen, do remember to subscribe with your podcast provider – it will be there when you look. (I know because I checked). My diary is being filled with bookings for interviews but, if there is someone you really want to hear or if you have questions, please contact the ISCoS office – admin@iscos.org.uk’

The opinions of our host and guests are their own. Thank you for listening.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk if you would like to register for our annual scientific meeting click here

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to SCI Care: What Really Matters Series 2 as we continue to rethink current trends & the future potential of Spinal Cord Injury Management and cover SCI Care and all that really matters. As we celebrate 60 years of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) we will reflect on where we came from, where we are and what the future may hold for SCI Care. We invite you to join us for our 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting this September.  

With each episode, we will speak with experts from all over the world to discuss various aspects of spinal cord injury including etiology, prevention and care, providing valuable insights regarding the most up to date information for those providing care for the spinal cord injured. In some episodes, there will also be discussion on how societies of health care professionals, like ISCoS, can help improve the outcomes of spinal cord injured and the lived experience of consumers through strategic planning in the field of scientific/ research activities, education, training & capacity building, partnering/ collaboration, communication & advocacy. The opinions of our host and guests are their own. Thank you for listening.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk if you would like to register for our annual scientific meeting click here

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to SCI Care: What really matters, a new podcast brought to you by the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS). A podcast series to rethink current trends & the future potential of Spinal Cord Injury Management and cover SCI Care and all that really matters. With each episode, we will speak with experts from all over the world to discuss various aspects of spinal cord injury including etiology, prevention and care, providing valuable insights regarding the most up to date information for those providing care for the spinal cord injured. In some episodes, there will also be discussion on how societies of health care professionals, like ISCoS, can help improve the outcomes of spinal cord injured and the lived experience of consumers through strategic planning in the field of scientific/ research activities, education, training & capacity building, partnering/ collaboration, communication & advocacy. The opinions of our host and guests are their own. Thank you for listening. 

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk if you would like to register for our annual scientific meeting click here

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Join Prof Ruth Marshall and Dr Harvinder Chhabra for the final episode in series one of SCI Care: What Really Matters as they discuss the success of the 59th ISCoS annual scientific meeting from the concerns and apprehensions of going fully virtual to the pleasant surprises and highlights of what worked. 

As well as the benefits of a fully virtual and the potential of future hybrid events offer and the further possibilities and opportunities for greater educational accessibility no matter where you are in the world and what your circumstances may be.  Having a virtual element to all events in the future will offer the luxury of time, you can revisit sessions you enjoyed or perhaps missed as well as ponder over the poster sessions in your own time and messaging the authors directly with your questions. 

All content from the ISCoS 2020 live event is available until October 5th, you can sign in or register here to access

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes or would like information on becoming an ISCoS member please email admin@iscos.org.co.uk

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Prof Ruth Marshall produced and directed by Heather Pownall of HMH Consultancy Ltd @heathershub

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

In this Episode

Join ISCoS President Dr Chhabra and ISCoS President-Elect, Prof Ruth Marshall as they discuss everything ISCoS past, present and future.  Prof Marshall discusses and provides an overview of Dr Chhabra's presidency and all he has achieved in this time and his time as an ISCoS member since 1993 and his career. Prof Marshall also discusses the continuation of exiting initiatives as well as implementing her own vision for the society.  They also talk about why they decided to go virtual with this year's conference rather than postpone. 

Both guests are in an agreement that if you are a member of ISCoS then you are part of a family who will support and help each other to ensure the best care can be provided to persons with SCI.

This episode is one of our final episodes of SCI Care: What Really Matters series one and we hope you have enjoyed listening.  If you have any topic ideas or questions for series two please do email admin@iscos.org.uk

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference 1-5 Sept 2020. You can access the preliminary programme here

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Prof Michael Fehlings and Dr Patrick Kluger join Dr Chhabra to discuss the 'Current scenario of Spinal Cord Injury services: The need for developing a grading system to standardize the services' within their regions and globally. 

In this episode:

3:50 Q1. What are the existing models of spinal cord injury services? 

9:59 Q2. What are the benefits of grading and standardization of SCI units?

12:19 Q3. The German Speaking Medical Society for Paraplegia (DMGP) has standardized and defined the ‘Paraplegic Centre of the DMGP’. Can you share details of the grading and the definition? 

15:52 Q4. American College of Surgeons (ACS) has laid down specific criteria for grading trauma centres.   Could you elaborate on the salient features of this grading system?

17:57 Q5. DMGP grading was evolved specifically for Germany. Can this be applicable across the globe? If not, can this or the ACS grading of trauma centres be a stepping stone for the larger picture we are looking at? 

20:53 Q6. Do you foresee any challenges in developing a single grading system? Do you have any suggestions on how to overcome these challenges?

This topic will be discussed in-depth at the 59th ISCoS Virtual Conference and the content will be available until the 1st Oct 2020. Sign up here

Relevant websites:

www.dmgp.de

www.facs.org

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

In this Episode:

In this week's bonus episode, guest host, Dr Ellen-Merete Hagen chats with Varun Khullar also known as DJ Aamish in this uplifting and inspiring interview as they discuss his life after spinal cord injury.  Varun talks about the aftermath, impact and challenges he has faced since he was involved in a life-changing accident in 2014. 

Varun has faced this adversity with an unbelievable positive mindset, channelling his energy into his love for music which in his words 'makes his soul dance' and physiotherapy to ensure he is as strong as he can be. He believes that the key to a stronger recovery is acceptance. By accepting what has happened to you, he states you can make the decision to move forward and live the best life you can. 

As DJ Aamish, Varun will be entertaining partygoers at the ISCoS Charity Get Together & Dancercise which will take place Friday 5th September after the conference sessions have finished. All proceeds will be donated to Humanity & Inclusion (the new name for Handicap International). DJ Aamish invites you to join the party and let your soul dance!

Thank you for listening, please do subscribe to SCI Care: What Really Matters, podcast series on the podcast platform of your choice.

Find out more about Varun's story on the links below:

https://yourstory.com/2017/10/dj-varun-khullar-aamish-time-out-72/

https://www.mid-day.com/articles/varun-khullar-to-wow-fans-from-his-wheelchair/18645171

https://www.cnbctv18.com/videos/entrepreneurship/varun-khullar-indias-first-wheelchair-dj-46367.htm

https://homegrown.co.in/article/803823/the-inspiring-tale-of-indias-first-differently-abled-dj-varun-khullar

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/varun-khullar-the-dj-who-works-his-wheels-well/315735

Humanity & Inclusion website here 

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

This week Prof Ruth Marshall and ISCoS president-elect steps in as host to chat with her long time friend and colleague Prof David Berlowitz . Prof Berlowitz is a Physiotherapist with the Victorian Respiratory Support Service who holds the University of Melbourne Chair in Physiotherapy at Austin Health and will be giving the inaugural Anthony DiMarco lecture for this year’s ISCoS conference.

In this episode:  

Q1. 3:00 Prof Berlowitz discusses how he became interested in sleep apnoea / sleep-disordered breathing?

Q2. 7:10 & 10:17 and what lead to his PhD work and what he has done since? 

Q3. 13:35 Prof Marshall asks how Prof Berlowitz approached the supervision of PhD students. 

Q4. 19:25 and what current research projects, the results and any outcomes that particularly exciting?

Q5. 24.57 Prof Berlowitz ends this discussion with his future research plans for the future.  

Thank you for listening, please do subscribe to SCI Care: What Really Matters, podcast series on the podcast platform of your choice.

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

In this episode, the following question is answered:

‘The Nursing SIG has been actively working to improve Nursing Management of Spinal Cord Injuries through various education initiatives. Are you happy with the available evidence in literature with regard to Nursing Management of SCI? What are the activities of the SIG to promote research in this field?'

Thank you for listening, please do subscribe to SCI Care: What Really Matters, podcast series on the podcast platform of your choice.

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Dr Chhabra is joined by Prof Lisa Harvey, Editor-in-Chief of Spinal Cord and Dr Marcalee Alexander Editor-in-Chief of Spinal Cord Series and Cases to discuss top tips on getting your work published.  How and why you are submitting research, what to think about when you do, what to do with reviewer feedback and the next steps you should take. There are many excellent nuggets of advice from both editors and stay tuned as Dr Chhabra gives an excellent summary at the end of this episode. 

In this episode: 

Q1. 2:52  What are the publication priorities of 'Spinal Cord' and 'Spinal Cord Series and Cases'

Q2. 7:41 Publishing in academic journals is highly competitive. What are your tips on generating a  valuable idea or piece of research? 

Q3. 10:36 Once the first hurdle is overcome and a valuable idea or piece of research is generated, what are your tips on how to sum it up in a way that will capture the interest of reviewers? 

Q4. 13:47 Any suggestions on considerations while submitting the manuscript? 

Q5. 16:35 What is your advice on how to respond to reviewer feedback? 

Q6. 20:20 What are your key considerations for accepting or rejecting a manuscript? 

Q7. 23:26 We have discussed considerations authors should keep in mind to get their work published. Can you summarise your “pearls of wisdom”? 

26:14 Dr Chhabra's Summary 

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to the fourth episode of our Bitesize bonus track for SCI Care: What Really Matters. 

This week we published the 7th episode of our podcast series with a lively and incredibly insightful discussion with Prof Stanley Duchrame and Dr Jane Duff on ‘Overcoming adversity after spinal cord injury – a positive psychology perspective.’ Following on from this discussion we are now joined by our guest Dr Susan Charlifue. Dr Charlifue will not only talk about the importance of a positive psychology but also the importance of social health and the impact and factors this has on the overall quality of life of people with Spinal Cord Injury. Dr Charlifue is the Co-Principal Investigator of the SCI Model System at Craig Hospital in addition to coordinating several SCI research clinical trials. She is the Principal Investigator for both NIDILRR, Craig H Neilsen Foundation and Department of Defense SCI grants. In 2016 she was awarded the Society Medal from ISCoS for her outstanding contribution to the prevention or rehabilitation of spinal cord injury or research related to spinal cord injury.

In this episode: 

Dr Charlifue gives her insights on the following question: 

‘How does psychological heath affect the quality of life of persons with Spinal Cord Injury. What are the other factors which have an impact on the quality of life of such individuals.’

Thank you for listening, please do subscribe to SCI Care: What Really Matters, podcast series on the podcast platform of your choice.

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Prof Stanley Duchrame, Clinical Psychologists at Boston University Medical Center and a Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and Dr Jane Duff, Clinical Psychologist at the National Spinal Injuries Center, Stoke Mandeville Hospital and European Spinal Psychologists Association join Dr Chhabra to discuss a psychology perspective of overcoming adversity after spinal cord injury. This lively discussion covers an overview of all areas of this life-changing event in a person's life. Many factors surround the patient and their progress including how they and their family approach this adversity as well as the help and guidance an MDT team can offer. 

In this episode:

2:52 Q1. Describe the psychological challenges faced by persons after spinal cord injury. 

5:15 Q2. When a person's response becomes pathological, is this when medication is decided by the MDT team? 

7:05 Q3. Can you elaborate further on the factors that determine how a person will respond to the injury?

10:35 Q4. How can the team managing the person with spinal cord injury encourage positive methods to manage the stress and help the individual in developing a deep determination to overcome the overwhelming challenge of an injury? Which members of the team play an active role in this regard?

13:53 Q5. What is the exact role of each role of each member of the team and when is the patient referred to them.

20:25 Q6. Do the persons with SCI require support once they are back in the community and will this span their entire lives? In addition, do the caregivers also require psychological support? 

24:40 Q7. Do Caregivers require such support and do caregivers suffer from burnout?

25:30 Q8. What would be your “pearls of wisdom” in this regard to the persons with SCI, their families and the managing team?

Relevant Links 

Stoke Mandeville Spinal Needs Assessment Checklist and Goal Planning Programme (SMS-NAC) watch here 

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jane_Duff2

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322156644_Spinal_Cord_Injury

Rehabilitation and goal planning approaches following spinal cord injury: Facilitating adjustment

Coping effectiveness training reduces depression and anxiety following traumatic spinal cord injuries

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ashley_Craig

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/George_Bonanno

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Singh Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of HMH Consultancy Ltd @heathershub 

*The opinions of our host and guests--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to the third episode of our Bitesize bonus track for SCI Care: What Really Matters. We are joined by Ulla Bergner, Head of the Physiotherapy SCI Department, Trauma Center Murnau, Germany and Chair of the International Network of SCI Physiotherapists (SCIPT).

In the episode:

Ulla gives her view as she answers the following question:

‘What are the main challenges faced by physiotherapists in the comprehensive management of persons with Spinal Cord Injury globally and also specifically in your region. What are the various factors which contribute to these challenges? Also, mention the strength of the society which help in overcoming these challenges.’

Thank you for listening, please do subscribe to SCI Care: What Really Matters, podcast series on the podcast platform of your choice.

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

In part two of this discussion on 'Challenges in the comprehensive management of persons with SCI,' Dr Chhabra is joined by Dr Federico Montero, representative of Latin American Society of Paraplegia (SLAP) and Ms. Elma Burger, representative of Africa Spinal Cord Network (AFSCIN) to discuss the challenges, factors and overcoming challenges within their region. 

In this episode: 

1:35 Q1. In part one of this episode, we discussed the challenges in comprehensive SCI management in the ASCoN and MENA region. Are the challenges in SLAP/AFSCIN region similar or any different? 

11:30 Q2. In part one we also talked about the various factors which contribute to the challenges of comprehensive management of persons with SCI and their inclusion within the community in the ASCoN and MENA region. Are these factors in SLAP/AFSCIN region similar or any different? 

21:49 Q3. In part one we discussed the various factors which can help in overcoming the challenge of comprehensive SCI management in LMIC? What are your views for SLAP/AFSCIN region? 

Thank you for listening, please do subscribe to SCI Care: What really matters, podcast series on the podcast platform of your choice.

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

AFSCIN link: http://www.afscin.org/

ISCoS website https://www.iscos.org.uk/

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to the second episode of our Bitesize bonus track for SCI Care: What Really Matters. We are joined by Nicola (Nicky) Hunter a Senior Occupational Therapist (OT) for the State-Wide spinal unit, WA.  Nicky graduated as an Occupational Therapist in 1986 and has been working in her chosen field of Spinal Cord Injury management for the past 20 years. She has community based experience in Tasmania and in the Spinal Outreach Team in Queensland. Since returning to WA in 2010 she has been working as a Senior Occupational Therapist at the state-wide Spinal unit treating patients from acute admission to discharge and beyond.

Nicky has a particular interest in the area of upper limb therapy for tetraplegics and has been instrumental in development of a nerve and tendon transfer service to promote improvements in upper limb function. She was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2014 ‘To investigate innovative therapies to promote independence for tetraplegic patients’, which supported her acquisition of knowledge and skills in this area.

In the episode:

Nicky gives her view as she answers the following question:

‘What are the main challenges faced by occupational therapists in the comprehensive management of persons with Spinal Cord Injury globally and also specifically in your region. What are the various factors which contribute to these challenges? Also mention the strength of the society which help in overcoming these challenges.’

This Bitesize episode is to complement  episodes 5 and 6 on 'Challenges in the comprehensive management of persons with SCI in LMIC.'

Thank you for listening, please do subscribe to SCI Care: What Really Matters, podcast series on the podcast platform of your choice.

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Dr Nazirah Hasnan and Stephen Muldoon, representatives of Asian Spinal Cord Network (ASCoN) and Dr Rami Al Ahmar, representative of Middle East North Africa Spinal Cord Injury (MENASCI) network join Dr Chhabra for part one of discussing challenges in the comprehensive management of persons with SCI with a specific focus on Asia Spinal Cord Network (ASCON) and middle East North Africa Spinal Cord Injury (MENASCI) network regions. Part two will have a specific focus on Latin America and Africa as Dr Chhabra talks with Dr Federico Montero, representative of Latin American Society of Paraplegia (SLAP), Ms. Elma Burger, representative of Africa Spinal Cord Network (AFSCIN).

In this Episode: 

2:51 Q1. Describe the challenges in comprehensive SCI management in ASCoN/MENA region 

2:56 Dr Nazirah Hasnan 

10:54 Mr Stephen Muldoon  

16:55 Dr Rami Al Ahmar 

21:43 Q2. What are the various factors which contribute to the challenge of comprehensive management of persons with SCI and their inclusion within the community in your region 

21:47 Dr Rami Al Ahmar  

24:02 Mr Stephen Muldoon 

28:15 Dr Nazirah Hasnan 

29:32 Q3. What are the various factors which can help in overcoming the challenges of comprehensive SCI management in LMIC?

29:37 Mr Stephen Muldoon 

33:20 Dr Nazirah Hasnan 

36:50 Dr Rami Al Ahmar 

Thank you for listening, please do subscribe to SCI Care: What really matters, podcast series on the podcast platform of your choice.

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

ASCoN links: https://ascon.info/

MENASCI Links: https://www.iscos.org.uk/spotlight-on-rami-al-ahmar or https://www.facebook.com/Middle-East-North-Africa-Spinal-Cord-Injury-Network-MENASCI-100554547970759/

ISCoS website https://www.iscos.org.uk/

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to the first Bitesize track of SCI Care: What really matters.

SCI Care: What really matters is now a weekly fixture for our ISCoS members, audience, and beyond. The aim of this podcast series is to engage with our members and entice non-members to join in on our conversation whilst sharing the insights and experiences of experts from the field of SCI Care from all over the world.

There is so much to cover we have decided to invite a guest from a Special interest Group to discuss further, areas from our main episodes.

For our first bitesize episode we are joined by Shivjeet Raghav of the Consumer Committee of ISCoS to answer the following question, 'Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, there have been various restrictions during the lockdown in different parts of the globe. What precautions should persons/consumers with spinal cord injury take as their regions exit the lockdown?

This Bitesize episode is to complement our existing episodes 3 and 4 on 'Exiting the Lockdown.' 

Thank you for listening, please do subscribe to SCI Care: What really matters, podcast series on the podcast platform of your choice.

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

Links to Covid-19 documents and visit here for Covid-19 Resources on the ISCoS website

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

This week's episode is our part two of 'Exiting the Lockdown: Implications for SCI Care.' Dr Chhabra is joined with Dr Tara Jeji, Dr James Milligan, Dr Rainer Abel and Dr Allison Graham as they conclude this discussion.

In this episode:

2:18 Q1.  As we exit the lockdown would the principles of management be any different?

23:00 Q2. Once restrictions ease, an enormous backlog of patients is likely & there will be a need to select more serious cases who will need immediate help. What could be strategies to deal with the patient backlog?

Thank you for listening, please do subscribe to SCI Care: What really matters, podcast series on the podcast platform of your choice.

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

Links to Covid-19 documents and visit here for Covid-19 Resources on the ISCoS website

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

This week's episode is our part one discussion of 'Exiting the Lockdown: Implications for SCI Care.' Dr Chhabra continues to explore the impact Covid-19 is having on the services for the spinal cord injured. He is joined with Dr Tara Jeji, Dr James Milligan, Dr Rainer Abel and Dr Allison Graham to discuss this further. 

In this episode: 

3:36 Q1.  Why are confinement measures of lockdown not suitable in the long run? 

5:40 Q2. What are the concerns about relaxing the safety measure of lockdown and resuming all hospital services too soon? 

8:34 Q3.  What are the goal-posts to be achieved before hospital services for elective patients could be restarted?

20:31 Q4. How could we strike the right balance between confinement and relaxation of safety measures of lockdown in your region/country? 

Please do subscribe to SCI Care: What really matters, podcast series on the podcast platform of your choice.

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk or any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

Links to Covid-19 documents and visit here  for Covid-19 Resources on the ISCoS website

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome back to part two of our discussion on 'COVID-19: Current knowledge and best practices an SCI - a multidisciplinary view' with James Middleton, Australia, Carlotte Kiekens, Italy, Francois Theron, South Africa, Lizzie Thomas-Davies and Ian Benson, 

Please note the opinions of our host and guests are their own.

In our first episode, we covered: why spinal cord injured patients are more vulnerable, the principles of management, diagnostic protocols, acute management, nursing management and precautions to be taken during aerosol-generating procedures. In part two we continue to explore the issues surrounding COVID-19 and SCI Care as we look at rehabilitation & physiotherapy management, issues and challenges each organisation and region faces in regards to preparation, awareness, and prevention strategies as well as the possible opportunities that may arise from the adversity.

In this episode

5:10 Q1. How is rehabilitation management of SCI during the pandemic different? 

10:09 Q2. What do you have to add regarding physiotherapy management of SCI during the pandemic? 

16:50 Q3. What issues, challenges or barriers are you currently experiencing in your organisation/region regarding preparedness to manage people with Spinal Cord Injury and COVID 19? 

33.39 Q4. What awareness and prevention strategies for COVID 19 are you advocating for people with SCI in your region? 

40:04 Q5. Can we try to tap the “Opportunity within the adversity?” What are your views in this regard? 

Please do subscribe SCI Care: What really matters, podcast series on the podcast platform of your choice.

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk or any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

Links to Covid-19 documents and visit here  for Covid-19 Resources on the ISCoS website

COVID-19 in SCI Factsheet - NSW, Australia 

COVID-19 Factsheet Self-isolation Guide for Caregivers - Canada

Basic guidance on management of SCI patients during COVID-19 Pandemic - UK

Stillman, SCSC 2020, COVID-19 and SCI

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk

Welcome to part one of our first episode, we are joined by James Middleton, Australia, Carlotte Kiekens, Italy, Francois Theron, South Africa, Lizzie Thomas-Davies and Ian Benson, UK to discuss Covid-19 and SCI Care with our very own President and host Dr Harvinder Chhabra, India. 6 experts from 5 different countries in real-time!

The opinions of our host and guests are their own.

During our panel discussion, we have covered why spinal cord injured patients are more vulnerable, the principles of management, diagnostic protocols, acute management, nursing management and precautions to be taken during aerosol-generating procedures.

In this episode

Q1. 5:07  Are Spinal Cord Injured more vulnerable to COVID-19 as compared to healthy able-bodied individuals? If so, why?

Q2. 11.38  Are management principles of Spinal Cord Injury during the pandemic different?

Q3. 16.27  What is the protocol for diagnosis of COVID-19 that is being followed in your centre? We are aware that there are high percentages of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Transmission from Asymptomatic patients poses a challenge. Persons with spinal injury getting admitted to the centre for other indications may be symptomatic or pre-symptomatic. What is the strategy testing that you would recommend for all patients getting admitted to spinal injury centre? Should all patients getting admitted be tested for COVID- 19?

Q4. 22.50  How is Acute Care of SCI during pandemic different?

Q5. 27.21  How does Nursing Management of SCI during pandemic differ?

Q6. 38.30  What are your recommendations for precautions in relation to aerosol-generating procedures?

Join us for part two, the discussion will continue with rehabilitation & physiotherapy management, issues and challenges each organisation as well as region face regarding being prepared, awareness as well as prevention strategies and the possible opportunities that may arise from the adversity. 

Click here to register for the 59th ISCoS conference and this year it is fully virtual. You can access the preliminary programme here

Email admin@iscos.org.uk or any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.

Links to Covid-19 documents and visit here  for Covid-19 Resources on the ISCoS website

COVID-19 in SCI Factsheet - NSW, Australia 

COVID-19 Factsheet Self-isolation Guide for Caregivers - Canada

Basic guidance on management of SCI patients during COVID-19 Pandemic - UK

Stillman, SCSC 2020, COVID-19 and SCI

This show is brought to you by ISCoS, you can follow us on Twitter @iscosmeetings, hosted by Dr Harvinder Chhabra produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scicare/message

The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. 

You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact us directly with any questions or comments at iscos@associationsltd.co.uk