High-profile programme promotes interdisciplinary knowledge transfer
The 19th edition of the World Congress of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO), the leading global event for mobility products (prosthetics, orthotics, and wheelchairs), assistive technology and rehabilitation services, will be taking place in Latin America for the first time from 24 to 27 April. The prestigious World Congress brings together experts from diverse fields and offers an exceptional platform to share the latest developments in the field. At the accompanying exhibition, more than 90 exhibitors will provide a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the global assistive technology market.
The 19th edition of the World Congress of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO), the leading global event for mobility products (prosthetics, orthotics, and wheelchairs), assistive technology and rehabilitation services, will be taking place in Latin America for the first time from 24 to 27 April. The prestigious World Congress brings together experts from diverse fields and offers an exceptional platform to share the latest developments in the field. At the accompanying exhibition, more than 90 exhibitors will provide a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the global assistive technology market.
The Congress Scientific Committee, led by Professor Deirdre Desmond, has spent the last few months putting together a comprehensive programme, drawn from 450 submissions, for the four-day ISPO World Congress. It includes keynote lectures, symposia, practical instructional courses, free paper and poster sessions. “The extensive scientific programme offers opportunities to discuss leading edge research on technologies, techniques and innovations that aim to improve quality of care and quality of life for persons who may benefit from prosthetic, orthotic, mobility, and assistive devices", explains Deirdre Desmond, chair of the World Congress Scientific Committee. “We are very much looking forward to the World Congress in Guadalajara; the city’s vibrant cultural and contemporary art scene provides an intriguing and dynamic backdrop to the congress which has ‘The Art and the Science‘ as its theme”.
It will be the most significant global event for mobility products (prosthetics, orthotics, and wheelchairs), assistive technology and rehabilitation services in Latin America for years to come.
Inspirational and engaging programme
There are a wide variety of topics on the agenda including research on specific devices and techniques, service design and delivery, workforce planning and development of educational curricula. Around 400 speakers from all over the world will discuss the latest scientific findings in their presentations and provide insight into options for treatment and care.
The congress will begin with the Knud Jansen Lecture at the Opening Ceremony on 24 April. This year's speaker, Rosielena (Rosie) Jované, is a founder of the first national ISPO member society in Central America and is one of the leading representatives in the field of prosthetics and orthotics in Latin America. In her keynote lecture titled "Art & Science: An equation that requires passion!“, she will speak about the intrinsic link between craft and technology, as well as the creative work carried out by P&O professionals in providing person centred care.
The Opening Ceremony will also include the International Confederation of Amputee Associations (IC2A) Inspirational Lecture, which will be given by the Mexican journalist Ana Paulina Chavira. She is wearing a prosthetic leg since 1998, when she was diagnosed with cancer. Her life as an amputee changed when she got a MAS socket - she was a model and speaker for Ana’s Leg educational program implemented by Össur.
In a tandem keynote lecture, prosthetist Chris Parsons and artist Sophie de Oliveira Barata will present the "Alternative Limb Project“. The prosthesis artist Barata combines the latest technology with traditional craftsmanship to create highly stylised wearable art pieces in collaboration with prosthetist Chris Parsons. On 25 April, they will speak about the key stages, successes and challenges since launching the project in 2011. At an interactive workshop later the same day, attendees can join the speakers to explore creative ideas for alternative prosthetics.
Digital transformation and new WHO Wheelchair Provision Guidelines
Digitisation is creating new possibilities in prosthetic and orthotic treatment and care. According to estimates by the WHO, the global need for prosthetic and orthotic services will double from the current 35 to 40 million people by 2050. The digital transformation of manufacturing processes holds great promise of finding methods to meet this growing need. "Digital transformation of prosthetic and orthotic services" is the subject of an expert panel discussion on 25 April.
A further highlight of the programme is the launch of the new WHO Wheelchair Provision Guidelines on 24 April. Wheelchairs are one of the most commonly used mobility devices, and have the potential to enhance individual’s health, independence, productivity and quality of life. However, many people are denied access due to a lack of services. These Guidelines build on lessons learned from the 2008 WHO Wheelchair Guidelines and provide evidence-based recommendations and best practice guidance to support countries in developing or improving essential wheelchair services. The new WHO Guidelines will be presented by speakers from the WHO, ISPO and the International Society for Wheelchair Professionals.
Successfully putting research into practice
Speakers at two scientific keynote lectures will give insights into their work and provide inspiration for interdisciplinary cooperation.
Professor Nachiappan (Nachi) Chockalingam’s keynote lecture on ‘Modelling, models and masterpieces’ will address challenges in the translation of research evidence into clinical practice, emphasizing the need for wider research on clinical- and cost-effectiveness of orthotic interventions and the need for evolution in current clinical practice to meet future needs. “I am looking forward to talking about how the mathematical models or biomechanical modelling that we do in our lab results in effective devices and technologies, the masterpieces”, says the Professor of Clinical Biomechanics.
The keynote lecture by Professor Stefania Fatone from the University of Washington (USA) will focus on the development and dissemination of a sub-ischial prosthetic socket for persons with a transfemoral amputation. She was commissioned by the US Department of Defense to develop a simple and standardised sub-ischial socket technology in cooperation with her colleague Ryan Caldwell. Professor Fatone will reflect on the breath of activities and skills required of clinicians and researchers to see their ideas realized in clinical practice. “I hope that our journey inspires others to merge clinical creativity with science and research to influence clinical practice for the benefit of all prosthesis and orthosis users.”
A further important item on the agenda at the World Congress is the official meeting of all members and members' associations. The ISPO World Assembly takes place on 26 April and offers members the opportunity to discuss current issues with leadership of the society.
The majority of lectures will be held in English; there will be simultaneous translation into Spanish in five of the eight session rooms. There will be English translations for a small number of lectures held in Spanish.
The Preliminary Programme of the ISPO 19th World Congress is available online at Link .
An educational event not to be missed
Educational credits can be earned for attending the ISPO 19th World Congress. The ISPO itself is awarding up to 24 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Credits for the four days of the congress with a maximum of 6 credits per day. Participants who are registered with the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) can earn up to 22 Category I credits and up to 3 Category II credits (pending final approval). Members of Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC) can earn up to 24 MCEs when attending the entire congress, with a maximum of 6 MCEs per day.
Registering for the congress: Early-Bird rates until the end of February
Participants who register early can benefit from discounted registration fees until 27 February. Please register at Link .
ISPO members from the Latin American region, who experience financial barriers to participation, can apply for a 20% registration discount on their applicable registration rates: Application details .