Session types

Quick links to descriptions

Scientific programme
Satellite programme
- Education sessions
- Clinical visits

World Physical Therapy 2011 will include a number of different session formats to provide variety and stimulate delegates in different ways.

Scientific programme

Key sessions

Focused symposia

Each focused symposium is organised by a convenor who will lead an international group of presenters through a series of thematically linked and research focused presentations, concluding with key take-home messages for practice, research, education, management and/or policy, relevant to the subject internationally. Each symposium will last 1.5 hours with a maximum of three 20 minute or four 15 minute presentations, allowing plenty of time for discussion with the audience.

Discussion panels

Discussion panels will provide delegates with the opportunity to explore some current issues and hot topics in a lively discussion with experts. These sessions are programmed for 1.5 hours and start with a brief introduction by the chair and short stimulus presentations from each member of the panel. The audience will then have the opportunity to pose questions to panel members to stimulate discussion among panellists and with the audience. Constructive controversy and debate are welcome.

Debates

Debates provide the opportunity for a lively and interactive exchange to discuss the merits for and against an issue. Two speakers for each opposing side of an argument will exchange views and explore controversial issues, facilitated by a chair. The audience will be given the chance to raise points from the floor and challenge speakers. At the end of the debate and discussion period the audience will be asked to weigh the evidence for each side of the argument and vote on the issue. These sessions are programmed for 1.5 hours.

Abstracts

Platform presentations

A platform presentation is a 12 minute oral presentation of a paper followed by 3 minutes of question time, moderated by a chair. Papers will be grouped together around related topics and there will be between 3 and 6 papers per session. Sessions will up to 1.5 hours.

Poster presentations

Posters are reports summarising information using brief written statements and graphic materials, such as graphs, charts, figures and photographs, mounted on a poster board. Presenters will be assigned a specific time when they will be at their poster for discussion with delegates. Posters will be on display during Exhibition hours.

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 network.

Platform, posters and poster discussion 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.

Other sessions

Networking sessions

A number of small group networking sessions will take place. Key topics will be chosen based on requests from physical therapists around the world and hot topics for the profession. These sessions will offer an informal opportunity to meet and talk with colleagues who share a common interest. A designated chair will facilitate these open discussions. They will be predominantly held at breakfast or lunch time and last 1-1.5 hours.

Satellite programme

The satellite programme is a new and innovative part of the WCPT congress experience. It will be made up of education sessions and clinical visits and is designed to complement the scientific programme, with a focus on applied knowledge and skills. It will offer the delegate the chance to listen to the latest research and practice advances while gaining practical experience.

The satellite programme education sessions and clinical visits are an optional element that will be open to all delegates who have registered to attend at least one day of the main congress and they will carry a separate fee. Attendance numbers will be restricted and managed through the registration process.

The satellite programme is designed to enable congress delegates to make up their own package of high quality and diverse offerings that matches their areas of interest and enhances the experience of attending the main congress. As far as possible congress days will be themed so that programming on defined areas of practice will be scheduled on the same day. Related sessions in the satellite programme will then be programmed on bordering days.

Education sessions

A variety of education sessions (workshops and courses) will be offered in the two days preceding and two days subsequent to congress. A limited number of sessions will also be held concurrent with the scientific programme. Sessions are designed to actively engage participants, via a range of learning formats, to explore issues in depth in an area of clinical practice, education management, research or policy.

Each session is organised by a recognised expert in the field. Sessions will run for ½ day, 1 day or 2 days.