Globally, over 15 million people are living with spinal cord injury (WHO, 2024). Spinal Cord Injury causes lifelong systemic and neurologic dysfunction. The SCI 2026 Conference will bring together international and national experts, in the area of spinal cord injury, to present advancements and best practice in the field. The framework of the conference is based off the functional areas perceived by consumers with spinal cord injury as the most important to address (Lo et al., 2016). Researchers, physicians, and clinicians will translate research into practice, focusing on the areas that matter most to this population, as they present current and evolving practice. Key topics will include: Upper Extremity (UE) function, bowel and bladder function, walking or self-mobility, pain management, sexual function after spinal cord injury, neuromodulation for functional recovery, spinal stimulation, advocacy, women's needs, and ventilator weaning. The conference will include networking opportunities and industry exhibitors.

 

1.  Analyze how patient-reported functional priorities—particularly arm/hand use, walking or wheelchair mobility, bladder/bowel control, pain relief, and sexual function—should influence rehabilitation planning and therapeutic goal-setting.

2.  Evaluate current evidence-based interventions—including neuromodulation, neuroprosthetics, surgeries, advocacy, respiratory management, pain management, and exercise programs—that aim to improve functional outcomes in individuals with SCI.

3.  Appraise real-world examples of effective knowledge translation (KT) strategies that promote interdisciplinary collaboration and active engagement of the SCI community in research translation as it applies to clinical practice.

 

Day 1 Learning Objectives/Learning Outcomes 

1.  Assess the importance and impact of community engagement in SCI research, including the role of community advisory boards in shaping study design, recruitment, and outcome interpretation.

2.  Evaluate how patient preference can inform data for long-term care, policy development, and research prioritization in the SCI population.

 

Day 2 Learning Objectives/Learning Outcomes 

1.  Examine current research on neuromodulation interventions and exercise-based strategies aimed at enhancing functional recovery in individuals with SCI and evaluate their clinical applicability.

2.  Integrate patient-identified functional priorities (e.g., respiratory management, upper extremity function, bowel/bladder control) into the planning and implementation of both clinical care and research protocols.

 

Day 3 Learning Objectives/Learning Outcomes 

1.  Develop practical strategies for implementing research findings into clinical settings to enhance individualized rehabilitation and improve long-term functional outcomes.

2.  Apply insights from preference-based research to improve shared decision-making and patient-centered care in the management of individuals with SCI.

 

Assessment of Learning Objectives 

Question and Answer, Quiz, Course Evaluation 

 

Lecture, Panel Discussion, PowerPoint Presentations.