As part of the ACPIN Conference 2026, ACPIN will also be five running workshops on Wednesday 13 May in the afternoon.  You can choose to either attend the workshops (choice of two) and two day conference or just the two day conference (14th and 15th May).

ACPIN will be hosting the following pre- conference workshops:

Clinical Reasoning and Symptom Formulation in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

Dr Glenn Nielsen Senior Lecturer in Neurological Physiotherapy/Clinical academic physiotherapist, specialised in neurology and functional neurological disorder

This workshop uses clinical vignettes and video case studies to extend participants’ foundational understanding of FND. Through interactive discussion, participants will develop skills in collaborative symptom formulation, patient education, and developing multicomponent treatment plans for patients with complex symptoms. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors relevant to individuals with FND; and consider how these may impact treatment.
• Develop a collaborative symptom formulation with a patient, recognising the roles of different members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Apply a symptom formulation to plan, deliver, and adapt physiotherapy rehabilitation, including strategies that support patient self-management.

Functional Electrical Stimulation

Jakko Brouwers MCSP; Sue Paddison MCSP

This 90 minute session will cover  the learning outcomes below, ACPIN's FES guidelines and the ACPIN FES learning package.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Understand the physiological bases for using electrical stimulation.
• Understand how to assess and select patients and contraindications  
• Get hands on experience of setting up a stimulator

Knowledge Translation in Stroke

Dr Annie McCluskey PhD MA DipCOT
Occupational Therapist
The StrokeEd Collaboration

Learning Outcomes

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

• Describe the steps and process of translating research into practice.
• Identify 2-3 personal research-practice gaps they wish to address at work.
• Identify common barriers at work that may limit practice change.
• List strategies/interventions they can use to overcome these local barriers.
• Describe outcomes for professionals and teams (eg % of patients receiving the intervention) and patient outcomes (eg amount of practice conducted)
• Understand some of the theoretical models that are commonly used to guide implementation projects.

Spinal Cord Injury

Claire Lincoln Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Spinal Injuries ; Frances Moya Principal Physiotherapist

This 90-minute session will cover basic anatomy, prognosis and acute management strategies to positively influence rehabilitation outcomes, followed by a focus on community-based rehabilitation, addressing barriers and pathways across all sectors.  The session will include interactive discussions and case studies. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Explain the basic anatomy and pathophysiology of SCI and how this relates to prognosis
• Identify and describe acute management strategies for SCI, including respiratory care, initial mobilisation, maintenance routine, contracture management
• Analyse factors influencing prognosis and long-term functional outcomes in individuals with SCI to help manage patient expectation
• Describe the typical rehabilitation process following discharge from hospital for SCI patients.
• Identify common physical, psychological, and social challenges faced by individuals with SCI post-discharge, including aging with an SCI
• Discuss strategies and resources to support independence, community participation, and quality of life after SCI, including the third sector and relevant guidelines
• Develop an understanding of long-term care planning, including assistive technology, ongoing therapy, and support networks

Motivational Interviewing in Neurophysiotherapy: Empowering Change Through Conversation

Orla Adams -Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers; Chair of the MINT UK & Ireland committee

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core communication skills of OARS (open questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries) and how they are used in MI
• Deepen participants' understanding of change talk and the power of recognising it and strengthening it in conversations about change
• Equip participants with a framework for providing information and advice that is engaging and person-centred 

If booking the workshops, please ensure you select the correct ticket for the two workshops you wish to attend.