Post-polio syndrome may decrease mobility and increase risk of pressure ulcers
Post-polio syndrome (PPS) symptoms may include fatigue, muscle weakness and decreased mobility. Decreased mobility renders people at risk of developing pressure ulcers (PU) if they are unable to reposition themselves.
As the world celebrates the highly successful polio eradication program, the challenge to maintain high vaccination rates around the world remains. There is also a growing need for health professionals with the knowledge to adequately treat the estimated 20 million people who are survivors of polio, 400,000 of which are in Australia.
The Australasia-Pacific Post-Polio Conference on 20 – 22nd September 2016 aims to address these challenges, and exchange knowledge about the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the post-polio condition across different age groups.
Focussed on the theme “Polio – Life Stage Matters”, the conference will be a platform for both polio survivors and health care providers to share research results and gold standard evidence-based clinical practise. As care for polio survivors involves many different disciplines, the three day conference will target professionals in the fields of rehabilitation medicine, allied health, nursing, neurology, orthopaedic surgery, and virology, as well as students in these areas.
The conference will be hosted by Polio Australia – the peak national body representing Australia’s polio survivors. Through this conference, Polio Australia will continue their mission to standardise quality information and service provision across Australia. This will work to ensure polio survivors have access to appropriate health care and the support required to maintain independence and make informed lifestyle choices.
Polio Australia has recruited a wide range of experts with a collectively broad skill set and experience base to contribute to the 2016 Australasia-Pacific Post-Polio Conference. Keynote speakers include physiatrist William DeMayo, director of Post-Polio Health International USA Joan Headley and Antonio Toniolo, virologist from Italy.
The program is close to being finalised, and delegate registration is now open at www.postpolioconference.org.au.
For more information, please contact
Melanie Robertson
Marketing Manager, Interpoint Events.
Email melanie@intermedia.com.au
Phone (02) 9660 2113
