Acquired Brain Injury: The OT Role in Supporting Cognition, Behaviour and Participation

Workshop Overview

Occupational therapists are pivotal in supporting individuals following an acquired brain injury to participate in meaningful activities and routines that sustain and build valued life roles. This approach enables individuals to work towards and achieve outcomes that are meaningful to them. 


This practical and interactive one-day intensive evidence informed workshop will provide opportunities for occupational therapists to learn the latest research in cognitive rehabilitation and behaviour support approaches in the field of brain injury, while focusing on our unique role in this rewarding and complex field.   


Given the diverse strengths, challenges, goals, and environments of people with brain injuries, it is essential to adopt an individualised approach to rehabilitation. By integrating the latest evidence-based interventions, occupational therapists can tailor strategies to meet the unique needs of each person. 

Key Learning Objectives

By the end of the workshop, you will be able to: 

  • Define Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and utilise the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to effectively conceptualise functioning, disability, and participation following ABI. 
  • Develop confidence in collaborative, client-directed goal setting, including the creation of SMART goals and the application of the Goal Attainment Scale to measure meaningful outcomes. 
  • Gain insight into the profound impact of brain injury on identity, life roles, and relationships, and explore strategies to support individuals in rebuilding these aspects of their lives. 
  • Explore evidence-based cognitive strategies aligned with INCOG 2.0 guidelines.
  • Gain foundational knowledge of the OT role in effectively supporting individuals with behavioural change. 

Why attend?

This workshop will strengthen your knowledge of brain injury rehabilitation, specifically related to cognition and behaviour through the latest research, practical assessment and intervention strategies, and real-world case studies. You will also gain valuable insights from people with lived experience of brain injury and their families, while exploring the unique contribution of occupational therapists within interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams

This session is suitable for:

OTs at all stages of their career. The workshop's primary focus is on supporting occupational therapists working in community rehabilitation with individuals experiencing cognitive and behavioural impairments post-brain injury. However, the workshop will also address the occupational therapy role in acute and inpatient rehabilitation settings. 

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Meet Your Presenter

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Nadine Holgate

Nadine is an Occupational Therapist and the founder of Neurolinks, a private practice specialising in community-based rehabilitation for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). With over 20 years of experience, she has developed expertise in supporting people with cognitive and behavioural impairments to achieve greater participation in meaningful activities and valued life roles.

In addition to her clinical work, Nadine is part of the Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, where she contributes to research and knowledge translation for the Positive Behaviour Support PLUS (PBS+PLUS) approach. This innovative framework is specifically designed to support individuals with brain injury who experience behaviours of concern. Nadine also completed her Master of Clinical Family Therapy which provides a family sensitive practice lens to all her work.  

 

Nadine is passionate about improving rehabilitation outcomes for rural people with brain injury. She was awarded the 2023 Agrifuture’s Rural Women's Acceleration Grant to conduct an innovative project improving brain injury rehabilitation for rural Australians. 

An experienced and engaging presenter, Nadine facilitates workshops and provides supervision for allied health professions to upskill in community-based brain injury rehabilitation and capacity building.