SESSION OVERVIEW

This two-part series is designed to deepen your understanding of complex systems theory and its application to managing pain. This series is ideal for occupational therapists seeking to enhance their approach to pain management in a variety of clinical contexts.

Session 1: Complex Systems Theory and Thinking: An Occupational Perspective

This session will focus on the exploration of the model of nonlinear and complex systems theory with a focus on its relevance to managing pain.

Key Topics that will be covered:

• Introduction to Complex Systems Theory: Explore complex systems theory and gain insights into making complexity accessible
• Application to OT Models: Explore how complex systems theory can be integrated into current OT practices and models in managing pain
• Evidence in Self-Management: Review the latest evidence supporting this approach in self-management strategies
• Understanding Chronicity: Examine chronic conditions through the lens of complex systems theory
• Clinical Application:
  • Understanding the Individual: Learn methods for collaborating with clients to understand their individual systems.
  • Creating Therapeutic Spaces: Discover how to create environments and opportunities for exploration.
  • From Pain Education to Exploration: Transition from traditional pain education to a more exploratory approach to pain management.

Session 2: Reflective Practice

This session will be held one month after the initial session to consolidate your learning and deepen your understanding of complex systems theory and application in clinical settings through discussion and personal reflection. 

There will be the opportunity to:

• Engage in case study based discussion on your clinical experiences and application of learnings from session 1
• Self-reflect on your practices and further opportunities to integrate learnings into your professional practice
• Ask questions and re-cap on theories, models and strategies learnt in the first session

By attending this 2-part series, you will:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of complex systems theory and its practical application in managing pain across various clinical contexts occupational therapists work in
• Develop enhanced skills for managing pain and chronic conditions through innovative therapeutic approaches.
• Build confidence in applying theoretical concepts to clinical practice through case studies and reflective practice

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your practice and better support your clients through advanced understanding and insights into complex systems theory and its application to managing pain.

This session is suitable for:

Suitable to occupational therapists at all stages of their career with particular relevance to:

• OTs working in the pain management area
• OTs who have completed the previous workshops on pain and keen to expand their skills.
• OTs working in other clinical areas but where persistent pain is a clinical issue e.g. neurology, musculoskeletal rehab, mental health, occupational rehabilitation

PRESENTERS

  Dr Cate Sinclair

Dr. Cate Sinclair is an occupational therapist, founder and director of Vital Connections Allied Health, and the current Chair of the Pain in Childhood Special Interest Group of the Australian Pain Society (2023-2025).

Cate has extensive clinical experience as an occupational therapist. Most recently, as Clinical Team Leader and Clinical Advisory Panel member of Splash Paediatric Therapies, Director of Allied Services and Projects and clinical occupational therapist at Pain Specialists Australia, and Senior Occupational Therapist with the Children’s Pain Management Clinic at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Cate completed a Doctoral Thesis in occupational therapy with The University of Queensland in 2018, investigating adaptive functioning for children and adolescents with persistent pain, and associations with sensory modulation and attachment patterns. Cate has presented her research at national and international conferences and has disseminated her research in peer reviewed publications and books.

In November 2023, Cate travelled to Antarctica as a member of Homeward Bound, a diverse global community of women and non-binary people with STEMM backgrounds collaborating to create a healthier planet and sustainable future for all.

  Fiona Thomas

Fiona Thomas has worked as an occupational therapist in the field of musculoskeletal rehabilitation and pain management for 30 years. She started her career in hand therapy which lead into industrial rehabilitation and then into pain management.

She has worked in a range of settings including private and public hospitals, private practice and in project and management roles.  Currently she works as the senior Occupational Therapist at the Caulfield Pain Management and Research Centre and in a project role developing a primary contact model for hand therapists.

In 2010 she completed her research into pain self-efficacy and functional outcomes and has presented this at national and international conferences and published in the BJOT.

She has been the OT representative on the Australian Pain Society Relationships committee and worked on a range of projects within the pain management clinical community on the role of allied health and occupational therapy in the care of individuals with chronic pain.

At present her interests are in promoting the therapeutic value of activity in modifying pain and sensory processing mechanisms and how this is translated into self-care, work, social and leisure domains of engagement.

ACCESS:

Participants will have access available for 12 weeks from date of purchase.

DATE:

Session 1: Monday 30^th September 2024

Session 2: Monday 28^th October 2024

TIME:

Session 1 commences:

• 4:00pm VIC | NSW | ACT | TAS | QLD
• 3:30pm SA | NT
• 2:00pm WA

Session 2 commences:

• 4:00pm VIC | NSW | ACT | TAS |
• 3:30pm SA
• 3:00pm QLD
• 2:30pm NT
• 1:00pm WA

Each session will run for approximately 2 hours.

VENUE

This is a 100% virtual event. You will receive an email with details to access the event two days ahead of the scheduled event date.

RECORDING ACCESS:

These sessions will NOT be recorded as they are interactive.

CPD HOURS

Total CPD claimable workshop hours: 4

REGISTRATION FEES

EARLYBIRD – Book on or before 8 September 2024

OTA Member: $235

OTA Student/New Graduate Member: $210

Non-member: $310

STANDARD – Book on or after 9 September 2024

OTA Member: $260

OTA Student/New Graduate Member: $235

Non-Member: $340

RSVP before 25 September 2024. 

Members must be logged in with username and password in order to register at the member rate.

DISCLAIMER

All information is correct at the time of publication. OTA reserves the right to alter or delete items from the CPD calendar as required, and takes no responsibility for any errors, omissions, and changes.

All resources including copies of the presentation, along with all supporting documents and links are not for distribution and are the property of the presenter.

An OTA staff member or representative may be photographing this event for use in OTA publications and/or on OTA social media sites. If you do not wish to be photographed, or have your image published please make this known to the OTA representative at your course or contact OTA on 1300 682 878 or info@otaus.com.au

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Terms and Conditions including OTA’s refund and cancellation policy are available here

CONTACT US

Please email info@otaus.com.au or phone 1300 682 878