Breaking New Ground: Inaugural International Forum Explores the Latest in COVID Rehabilitation Research
Image courtesy of The Rehabilitation Science Research Network for COVID
In-person attendees at the 2023 International Forum on COVID Rehabilitation Research
The inaugural International Forum on COVID Rehabilitation Research took place on Friday, April 21, 2023, held by the Rehabilitation Science Research Network for COVID at the University of Toronto.
Co-led by RSI faculty members, Jill Cameron and Kelly O'Brien, the Network hosted this hybrid event, combining online and in-person participation. Over 250 individuals from 20 countries participated, including people with lived experiences, clinicians, researchers, policy stakeholders, community-based organizations, and funders. The Forum's objective was to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and practices in COVID rehabilitation research on a global scale. It also aimed to foster new collaborations and strengthen existing partnerships in the field.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in discussions on emerging issues and research priorities in COVID rehabilitation, providing valuable guidance for the Network's future activities. The event featured a keynote presentation by Todd Davenport, a Professor and Vice-Chair in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Davenport shared his influential work on safe rehabilitation for individuals living with Long COVID. Additionally, a discussion panel composed of community leaders shared their experiences in COVID rehabilitation research. The Forum included two research evidence sessions, each with five speakers presenting current research on disability, rehabilitation approaches and interventions, and models of care in the context of acute and long COVID.
The Forum was made possible through collaboration with various partners and members of the Network who have played a crucial role in advancing evidence and practice in COVID rehabilitation. These partners included Long COVID Physio, the Rehabilitative Care Alliance, Patient-Led Research Collaborative, and FISIOCAMERA.
