Implementing Upper Limb Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)

Description: Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is recommended in Australian (and other) stroke guidelines as an evidence-based therapy for arm recovery. Yet national audits show that only 12% of eligible Australian stroke survivors receive CIMT. Barriers to CIMT delivery include limited knowledge, skills, confidence, personnel and equipment.

This 3-part workshop will describe what should be included in a CIMT program [beyond a mitt], how to structure and progress training during a CIMT program, measure change and overcome common barriers to delivering CIMT particularly in public health settings.

Annie McCluskey helped three community/out-patient services to implement CIMT (McCluskey et al, 2020, Australian OT Journal) and developed free online resources to help future therapists. Lauren Christie helped nine public health services in Sydney to implement CIMT with stroke and brain injury survivors as part of her PhD, and has subsequently produced free teleCIMT resources.

This workshop aims to help therapists implement their first (or subsequent) CIMT program during Nov/Dec 2023 or Jan 2024. The focus will be on adult populations, including stroke survivors and people with traumatic brain injury.

Recommended pre-reading will be provided. 

The workshop will be online and conducted over three dates, as shown below. The same therapist should attend all three sessions. If a person misses one of the three sessions due to illness or for some other reason, we can send a link to that person with a recording, which will be available for a limited time.

Dates: Mon 13th Nov, Wed 6th Dec 2023  & Wed 31st Jan 2024

Time: 18.00-22.00pm* -  Times are in Sydney/ Australian Eastern DT (Follow-up Session 3 will be 2 hrs long, from 18.00-20.00PM).

* London/ UK/ Ireland BST = 7am / Copenhagen = 8am / Brisbane = 5pm / Perth/ Singapore/Hong Kong = 3pm / Adelaide = 5.30pm / Auckland = 8pm 

To double check the time in your part of the world, refer to the link below: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com

Cost: $370 (workshop fee) + Humanitix booking/ admin fee ($17.27) + GST ($38.73) = $426 AUD

(NB There is an option to request an invoice at the point of payment - an invoice will be automatically generated and emailed to you - this suits some therapists who cannot pay directly via credit card/ Paypal and/or wish their employer to pay for the fee). 

Learning Objectives: By the end of the workshop, learners will be able to:

• Identify people that are eligible for CIMT

• Name and describe the key components of CIMT which include shaping, functional task practice, mitt wearing and a transfer package

• Identify the resources needed to deliver CIMT with fidelity including staff, space and equipment

• Name outcome measures that are commonly used before and after a CIMT program

• Identify online educational resources that can be used to prepare for delivery of CIMT programs

• Describe the pros and cons of different models of CIMT delivery including 1:1, group and online/virtual

TARGET AUDIENCE

Occupational therapists, physiotherapists and any health professional intending to offer a 2-3 week CIMT upper limb program to clients with stroke or brain injury

CONTENT:

Part 1: What is CIMT; eligibility; evidence; shaping; functional task practice; mitt wearing; transfer package; online resources; homework tasks for registrants

Part 2: Review of registrants homework tasks and planning for CIMT; daily timetable/schedule; completing daily Motor Activity Log; models of delivery (1:1 or group; clinic-based or home-based or teleCIMT); outcome measures; necessary equipment; space; gaining management approval; personnel; problem solving and Q&A online support from a community of practice.

Part 3: Follow-up to discuss how registrants managed implementing their CIMT programs, Q&A and problem solving session, online support from a community of practice.

PRESENTERS:

Dr Lauren Christie PhD BAppSc (OT ) Occupational Therapist & Associate Member of The StrokeEd Collaboration. Senior Implementation Science Research Fellow- Allied Health at St Vincent’s Health Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Dr Annie McCluskey PhD MA DipCOT, Occupational therapist and Director of The StrokeEd Collaboration. Honorary Senior Lecturer, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia