3rd International Conference on Physiotherapy in Oncology

In September 2023, INSPIRE’s Scientific Project Manager, Dr. Joanne Bayly, attended the 3rd International Conference on Physiotherapy in Oncology in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Dr. Bayly delivered a presentation entitled “Palliative Rehab – What is it and how can we leverage physiotherapy resources to provide it?”. This presentation spoke to some of the key issues in palliative rehabilitation and highlighted how INSPIRE seeks to improve current palliative rehabilitation practices. 

Speaking on the theme of ‘Advances in Providing the Best Care’, she argued for the need to increase an understanding of palliative rehabilitation and to improve on current impairment-focused rehabilitation models. Dr. Bayly outlined the planned INSPIRE intervention, noting that the INSPIRE model is informed by theories of disease, illness, and dysfunction, alongside theories of rehabilitation and behaviour change. It was co-developed with patients, their loved ones and expert clinicians. 

Citing the World Health Organisation’s policy brief on the integration of rehabilitation into palliative care services, Dr. Bayly aimed to provide attending oncology physiotherapists with up-to-date evidence and strategies to support the provision of rehabilitation services for people during times of functional recovery and decline. 

To better our understanding of life-limiting illnesses, Dr. Bayly recommended two books in particular during her presentation (with key quotes highlighted below)

1. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 
2. Illness: The Cry of the Flesh by Havi Carel

Many thanks all attendees for their participation and for their vocal interest in the INSPIRE Trial! We’re excited to provide you with updates at ICPTO 2024! 

Have you read the WHO’s Policy Brief for Integrating Rehab into Palliative Care Services? Follow the link below and stay up-to-date!