Congresses are a time for thoughtful reflection. Our invited Keynote speakers have been selected on the basis that they can provide a specific perspective on future directions in health and will challenge us to look at ourselves from different perspectives. These are scheduled to last 1 hour.
Each focused symposium is organised by a convenor who is a recognised expert / authority in the field. The convenor has the responsibility for leading a group of international researchers through a series of linked presentations. These sessions are programmed to include an introduction, individual presentations and discussion with the audience. In the summary at the end of the symposium, the convenor will give some insights into the implications and future directions for practice, research and education in the area. These sessions are 1.5 hours long, except the Global Health Summit which is 2 hours.
Workshops will actively engage participants via a range of learning formats to explore issues in depth. They provide focussed discussion and learning in areas of special interest. To meet the specific objectives of each session there are a variety of styles. Each Workshop organiser has been responsible for developing and running their programme, inviting international speakers. The duration of Workshop sessions will be 2 hours, except the one on Differential Diagnosis which is 3 hours.
Platform Presentations
A platform presentation is a 15 minutes oral presentation of a paper followed by 5 minutes of question time, moderated by a chair. Papers have been grouped together around related topics and there will be between 3 and 6 papers per session.
Poster Presentations
Posters presenters have been assigned a 1.5 hours presentation time when they will be at their poster for discussion with delegates.
Poster Discussion Sessions
These interactive poster discussion sessions are led by a chair with expertise in the topic or research methodology. Presenting authors have 5 minutes to discuss the key points arising from their work, highlighting the areas in which they would particularly welcome discussion with the chair and audience. There will be an opportunity for delegates to view the posters and discuss them with the presenters. The chair will then reconvene the session inviting presenters to answer questions from the floor. This type of session is very valuable for drawing out the relationships between research endeavours, discussing interesting findings or methodological challenges, and for establishing research networks. The poster will also be available for viewing as part of the main programme.
Platform and Poster presentations fall into the following categories:
Research Reports
Research reports are presentations of original scientific data encompassing any established research approach, design or method.
Special Interest Reports
Special interest reports include presentations of new or unique programmes or theories and descriptions of innovative ways in which established methods have been adapted to meet the needs of physical therapy practice, management, education or policy. They include professional resource materials, such as computer-based programs, training or audiovisual material.