BAIL's TALES : OCTOBER

Our last Research Peer Group lunchtime meeting was again oversubscribed which demonstrates the level of interest in research activities here at Burwood. Jason Nicholls, Master of Health Sciences candidate from the University of Otago very ably shared his research proposal focusing on a nationwide survey of issues of concern identified by wheelchair users during emergency situations. His presentation generated really productive discussion about these issues.

Our second presenter, Johnny Bourke, PhD Candidate from the University of Canterbury, also presented his research proposal. His research is focused on disability and disasters, aligning well with Jason’s work and drawing on social theory which argues that social, political, and economic factors influence one’s risk, response, and recovery during and after a disaster just as much as the ‘natural’ event itself. We can’t wait to hear more from Johnny and Jason as their projects progress.

SCIPA Update
The last participant in the SCIPA Full-On trial, comparing a novel intensive exercise based program with standard care for SCI, has just completed, signalling the end of data collection here in NZ. This is a great achievement especially since data collection began the week before the February earthquake and so ended up being more drawn out than expected. SCIPA Switch-On, the ward based program is now recruiting and SCIPA Com, the Train the Trainers program has just begun. This education programme involving Gym instructors from gyms across the city will give the trainers the knowledge they need to effectively train people with SCI in the community. The SCIPA Programs, led by the University of Melbourne, have been a significant research undertaking and our NZ team are doing fantastic work excellently coordinated by Jo Nunnerley.

What’s coming up?
Research Peer Group Meeting (Allan Bean Centre Thurs Nov 14th 12pm).
Theme: Developing and maintaining social relationships after serious injury
Presenters: Claire Freemen: Maintaining relationships after spinal cord injury.
Rachelle Martin: Life goals following severe traumatic brain injury.
RSVP to Hans Wouters (hans.wouters@burwood.org.nz)

Late October:
Jo Nunnerley is presenting work from her PhD at the ISCoS Scientific Meeting in Istanbul Turkey. She was awarded a 2013 Spinal Cord Injury Network travel grant, to attend this meeting.