CSP goes Euro

^{Natalie Beswetherick, CSP's director of practice and development}

In all the years I’ve been a physio, I’ve always found positive challenge and inspiration from the work of my colleagues – not just in the workplace but also by attending events and conferences in the UK and beyond. In fact I even remember the title of the first one I attended, as a third-year student, in 1980 (yes I am that old).

That’s why I’d impress upon those of you who’ve not yet signed up, the value of coming for one or both days to Liverpool in November. The CSP is hosting the European Region of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy congress. It’s never too late to learn – or to sign up! And what better way to demonstrate your commitment to your CPD?

If you’ve already decided to go, come and say hello. I will be catching up with colleagues and friends from across the globe. I will introduce you to them. I will also be inspired by the symposia, new research findings and a laugh out loud (LOL) session on Saturday afternoon ... more of that later.

Whether you’re a practitioner, researcher, associate or student, there are plenty of reasons why you don’t want to miss the world-class event of the year on 11/12 November. It has already attracted 1000 physiotherapy educators, managers, practitioners and researchers from the UK, Europe and beyond. You will be able to meet fellow physiotherapists from every region in the world face-to-face. What an opportunity!

So what is the conference all about?

‘Advancing physiotherapy: demonstrating value and impact’ is a major international scientific congress with five concurrent streams:

1. Policy, strategy and influencing
2. Research, education and practice
3. Practice in a digital age
4. Responding to changing population needs
5. Public health, prevention and social care

If you hate traditional ‘lectures’ this conference will wow you with a wide range of learning formats including, discussion panels and networking sessions alongside poster, platform and ‘rapid 5’ presentations.

There will also be an exhibition packed with national and international exhibitors to keep up-to-date with new products and services.

Highlight key note presentations include:

1. Michael Brennan, health economist and CEO of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association who will be talking about the value of physiotherapy
2. Kari Bø, vice president of the International Organisation of Physical Therapists in women’s health
3. Brian Caulfield, leader of the Irish ‘Connected Health’ programme, speaking about ‘enhancing practice in a digital age’

You can access the full programme, including information on the 350 research posters that will be on display during the congress, at www.liverpool2016.com

What might you get out of it?

Dawn Skelton, who is a researcher and educator specialising in frail older people, says she is most looking forward to the networking.

‘It’s a chance to chat informally with others. I often find that I learn as much from talking to others as I do from lectures,’ says Professor Skelton.

I can tell you that she is an excellent networker and is particularly interested in the ‘digital age’ theme involving technology in innovative health.

Janet Thomas, NHS team lead physiotherapist and lecturer at Queen Margaret University, East Lothian, finds the flexibility and the differing options in the programme the main appeal. ‘And having an international conference virtually on my doorstep was too good an opportunity to miss!’

Last but not least there will be a fabulous social programme. Every delegate is invited to join the free welcome reception and Friday’s congress dinner will be a great place to catch up with old friends and make new ones – and dance along to classic Beatles tunes.

And the LOL session? Our one-and-only Edinburgh-fringe star physio-comic Elaine Miller. Remember to do your pelvic floor exercises first!

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