InterACTION 2012: Innovate, Learn, Achieve

March 23-25, 2012 – InterACTION 2012, the Ontario Physiotherapy Association’s annual conference, was a well-planned event bringing together physiotherapy professionals and industry players in a relaxed atmosphere conducive to learning and networking.

Over three days (March 23 – 25, 2012), Toronto’s Hyatt Regency conference halls hosted educational sessions, 43 industry suppliers and 250 participants from Canada and abroad.

The conference featured an array of presentations from Canadian and international speakers from London Health Sciences Centre (Ontario), Covenant Health (Alberta), Hoda Talaat Harb Hospital Helwan in Cairo, Egypt, McMaster University and Loma Linda University in California, among others.

The first day of informative sessions and nutritious refreshment breaks culminated with an opening night reception and an awards dinner honouring members of the association who had made outstanding contributions to the physiotherapy profession. Following a humorous presentation by professional speaker and storyteller Paul Huschilt, the guests had a chance to meet OPA award recipients.

• James Foley – Professional Contribution – Internal
• Sue Ferguson – Professional Contribution – External
• Vincent DePaul – Research
• Judy King – Education
• Christine Edwards – Volunteer
• Tiffaney Marlow – OPA Student Award

Also honoured were 50 year members of the organization, Gertrud Mayer and Moira Reed-Davis.

Among the many topics of interest to the physiotherapy profession presented throughout the conference were:

• “Eucapnic Breath Re-Training as a Pain Management Tool,” by Arne Heayn, PT
  “Electronic medical records (EMR): Meaningful use in physiotherapy practice,” presented by Darryl Yardley, PT, FCAMPT, BKin (Hons), MSc (PT), MCISc (Manip)
• “Medical acupuncture: Evidence-based approach and McMaster University experience,” presented by Enoch Ho, PT, MPh, FCMAC
• “Assessment of people with persistent post-traumatic neck pain: Is delayed recovery only due to psycho-social problems?” presented by Gloria Gilbert, PT, MSc, and Darien Lazowski-Fraher, PT, PhD
• “From boomers to millennials: Generational values and behaviours in health care professional education,” presented by Brenda Mori, MSc, BScPT, and Cathy Evans, PhD, MSc, BScPT
• “Legal aspects of handling motor vehicle collision claims,” presented by Sharon Bauer, BA, LLB and Maria Mikhailitchenko, MA, LLB
• “When a back goes out… where does it really go?” presented by Bahram Jam, DScPT, MPhty, BScPT, FCAMT
• “Integrated regional falls program,” presented by Melissa Lang, MSc (PT), BSc (Kin) and Jocelyn Griffiths, MSc Education (candidate), BSc (PT)
• “Secure your small office data,” presented by Steve Chapelle
• “Exploring variations in clinical education opportunities for physiotherapy students across the Local Health Integrated Networks of Ontario,” presented by Kathleen Norman, PhD, PT

In addition, situated in the exhibit hall were informative poster presentations from local and international researchers.

• “An extended exercise rehabilitation program post hip fracture improves patients’ physical functioning: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” by Mohammad Auais, MSc PT
• “Development of a physiotherapy entry-level cardiorespiratory curriculum model,” by Diana Hopkins-Rosseel, DEC, BSc (PT), MSc (Rehab Science)
• “The Rising Stars leadership development program – An inter-organizational approach to leadership succession planning,” by Mireille Landry, PT, BSc PT, MSc
• “Effect of Exercise Training on Skeletal Muscle Mass in People with End-Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” by Anuradha Sawant, PhD candidate, London Health Sciences Centre
• “Documenting Fall Risk Assessment Practices Among Home Care Physiotherapists”, presented by Jay Shaw, PT, PhD candidate
• “Early Mobilization Following Mini-Open Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial”, presented by Fiona Styles-Tripp, BScPT

The second day of the conference concluded with a message from the president of OPA, Christopher Winn, who presented the award for the best poster presentation to Mohammad Auais, MSc PT.