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SCI Care: What Really Matters

SCI Care: What Really Matters

By International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS)

A podcast series brought to you by the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS). 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. Collaboration is the key and at the heart of what ISCoS does. The podcast series will be an extension of ISCoS, philosophy to make “Life after a spinal cord injury happy, meaningful and worth living..”
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Introducing SCI Care: What Really Matters

SCI Care: What Really Matters Jul 19, 2021

00:00
03:18
S2 Ep 12: The Importance of patient-centred care in neurogenic bladder and bowel management

S2 Ep 12: The Importance of patient-centred care in neurogenic bladder and bowel management

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 Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

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

Nov 30, 202143:56
S2 Ep 11: In conversation with Prof Daniel Graves Editor-in-Chief for the ISCoS journals

S2 Ep 11: In conversation with Prof Daniel Graves Editor-in-Chief for the ISCoS journals

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.

Oct 11, 202142:59
S2 Ep 10: An Interview with Dr Carlotte Kiekens, COVID 19 then and now in SCI Care
Sep 26, 202142:11
S2 Ep 9: In conversation with Prof Charles Tator
Sep 22, 202149:50
S2 Ep 8: Empowering SCI patients to get their dignity back

S2 Ep 8: Empowering SCI patients to get their dignity back

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 Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

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

Sep 20, 202156:11
S2 Ep 7: Bone Health and Spinal Cord Injury with Prof Cathy Craven

S2 Ep 7: Bone Health and Spinal Cord Injury with Prof Cathy Craven

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 Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

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

Sep 15, 202144:29
S2 Ep 6: ISCoS past, present and future

S2 Ep 6: ISCoS past, present and future

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 Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub.

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

Sep 09, 202134:54
S2 Ep 5: Bowel Management, freedom and dignity - a patient's story

S2 Ep 5: Bowel Management, freedom and dignity - a patient's story

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 Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

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

Sep 01, 202101:05:23
S2 Ep 4: The Role of the Caregiver with Dr Susie Charlifue

S2 Ep 4: The Role of the Caregiver with Dr Susie Charlifue

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 Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

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

Aug 26, 202116:39
S2 Ep 3: SCI and Respiratory Issues with Dr Tony DiMarco, founder of the DiMarco lecture at the ISCoS ASM

S2 Ep 3: SCI and Respiratory Issues with Dr Tony DiMarco, founder of the DiMarco lecture at the ISCoS ASM

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 Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

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

Aug 19, 202137:12
S2 Ep 2: Infection Related Myelopathy with Dr Harvinder Chhabra

S2 Ep 2: Infection Related Myelopathy with Dr Harvinder Chhabra

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 Pownall of Heather's Media Hub @heathershub

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

Aug 12, 202143:25
S2 Ep 1: The History of the Sports Wheelchair with PhD Student Sam Brady

S2 Ep 1: The History of the Sports Wheelchair with PhD Student Sam Brady

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

Aug 05, 202134:11
Introducing SCI Care: What Really Matters Series 2

Introducing SCI Care: What Really Matters Series 2

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

Jul 19, 202105:18
Introducing SCI Care: What Really Matters
Jul 19, 202103:18
Ep 12 'Virtual Conference Success! Our Conclusion
Sep 17, 202036:30
Ep 11 'The Presidential Episode'
Aug 28, 202051:46
Ep 10 'Current scenario of Spinal Cord Injury services: The need for developing a grading system to standardize the services'

Ep 10 'Current scenario of Spinal Cord Injury services: The need for developing a grading system to standardize the services'

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


Aug 24, 202027:43
Bonus Track: Interview with DJ Aamish, India's first wheelchair DJ

Bonus Track: Interview with DJ Aamish, India's first wheelchair DJ

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



Aug 21, 202027:18
Ep 9 'Sleep Disordered Breathing after Spinal Cord Injury'

Ep 9 'Sleep Disordered Breathing after Spinal Cord Injury'

Aug 17, 202033:50
Bonus Track: Bitesize SCI Care: What really matters - Nursing management and SCI Ep 5
Aug 14, 202008:37
Ep 8 'Tips on getting your work published in ISCoS Journals'

Ep 8 'Tips on getting your work published in ISCoS Journals'

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



Aug 11, 202029:16
Bonus Track: Bitesize SCI Care: What really Matters - The quality of life of people with SCI Ep 4

Bonus Track: Bitesize SCI Care: What really Matters - The quality of life of people with SCI Ep 4

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


Aug 07, 202010:39
Ep 7 'Overcoming Adversity after Spinal Cord Injury: A Positive Psychology Perspective'

Ep 7 'Overcoming Adversity after Spinal Cord Injury: A Positive Psychology Perspective'

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

Aug 03, 202031:58
Bonus Track: Bitesize SCI Care: What Really Matters 'Challenges in the Comprehensive management of persons with SCI' Ep 3
Jul 31, 202010:54
Ep 6 and part two of 'Challenges in the comprehensive management of persons with SCI'

Ep 6 and part two of 'Challenges in the comprehensive management of persons with SCI'

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


Jul 27, 202033:31
Bonus Track: Bitesize SCI Care: What Really Matters, 'Challenges in the comprehensive management of persons with SCI' Ep 2

Bonus Track: Bitesize SCI Care: What Really Matters, 'Challenges in the comprehensive management of persons with SCI' Ep 2

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



Jul 24, 202016:10
Ep 5: Challenges in the comprehensive management of persons with SCI

Ep 5: Challenges in the comprehensive management of persons with SCI

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

Jul 20, 202043:59
Bonus Track: Bitesize SCI Care: What really matters, 'Precautions for exiting lockdown' Ep 1

Bonus Track: Bitesize SCI Care: What really matters, 'Precautions for exiting lockdown' Ep 1

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


Jul 17, 202013:11
Ep 4 and part 2 of 'Exiting the Lockdown: Implications for SCI Care'
Jul 13, 202040:13
Ep 3 and part 1 of Exiting the lockdown: Implications for SCI Care
Jul 06, 202037:06
Ep 2 and part 2 of COVID-19: Current knowledge and best practices an SCI - panel discussion with a multidisciplinary view

Ep 2 and part 2 of COVID-19: Current knowledge and best practices an SCI - panel discussion with a multidisciplinary view

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


Jun 29, 202050:47
Ep 1 part 1: COVID-19: Current knowledge and best practices for an SCI-panel discussion with a multidisciplinary view

Ep 1 part 1: COVID-19: Current knowledge and best practices for an SCI-panel discussion with a multidisciplinary view

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

Jun 23, 202046:37