On the 3 November, an SSCR PhD Student used their research training funding to attend an event in Salford on acquired brain injury research. Their SSCR funded PhD is focused on understanding the support needs of those who care for people with acquired brain injuries.
Guests started the day with drinks and time to chat and meet each other. Professor Andrew Bateman welcomed everyone.
The first speaker, Dr Geoff Manley, discussed his research on how to better understand traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnosis.
A panel discussion, hosted by James Piercy, followed, featuring people who have personally experienced TBI.
Ariana Kelly, a Barrister (lawyer) spoke about the legal side of TBI
Jenifer Misak talked about the impact of acquired brain injuries (ABI) on wellbeing and cost.
Ashley Dalton, a Member of Parliament (MP), spoke about her role in raising awareness and the need for changes. This talk was followed by a Q&A session.
After lunch, Jackie Dean, Dr Gaby Parker, and Mark Holloway discussed the new NICE guidelines (national health recommendations).
Researchers then showed their work and people who survived a brain injury shared thoughts on the educational support they received.
Dr Alyson Norman led a final discussion with guests. They talked about what the future holds.
Craig’s PhD focuses on the support needs of those who care for people with acquired brain injuries and this was an excellent opportunity to hear the latest from research, practice and policy and to network. Upon arrival guests were provided with refreshments and an opportunity to network with other attendees and the showcased organisations.
Professor Andrew Bateman was first to the stage and welcomed everyone to the event. He then introduced the first speaker, Dr Geoff Manley, who discussed the issues with the current classifications of traumatic brain injury (TBI) e.g. mild, moderate, and severe. His criticisms were that this was not a good predictor of the lived experiences of TBI survivors and that a multidimensional approach to TBI was necessary, not just the clinical factors but the patient’s Imaging and biomarker findings, and pre-existing health too.
Following this presentation, a panel discussion took place, which was hosted by James Piercy. The panel talked about the impact of receiving a moderate to severe TBI diagnosis and how this personally affected them, their carers, and family members.
Arianna Kelly subsequently discussed Executive Functioning and Mental Capacity. Her talk involved the Court of Protection case law relating to people with brain injuries and their fluctuating executive functioning capacity and need to look at both words and actions in determining capacity.
Next, a short video provided an update from Sir John Hayes, MP and Chair of the All-party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), on their work regarding the ABI Action Plan.
The discussion then moved to economics, with Jenifer Misa, Health Economist and author of the APPG and UKABIF’s recent report on the economic and wellbeing costs of ABI to the UK. She explained the important consequences for policy recommendations and also covered limitations and potential improvements in the data.
Ashley Dalton, a Member of Parliament and Under-Secretary of State Public Health and Prevention at the Department of Health and Social Care, was a guest speaker and talked about her role in raising awareness of brain injury. This was followed by a Q&A session, with professionals.
The morning concluded with a lunch break, offering additional opportunities to network with ABI professionals.
The afternoon sessions commenced with Jackie Dean, Dr Gaby Parker, and Dr Mark Holloway (who sat in for Sue Williams) taking to the stage to talk about the recently published NICE guidelines. They highlighted the challenges that remain but also discussed how the new guidelines will be able to make a difference in practice.
Following the guidelines discussion, researchers had the opportunity to present their work, as part of a symposium, which was chaired by Dr Emily Bennett.
- Dr Hope Kent, who shared their research on what data tells us about SEN support for children with ABI.
- Joanna Woodhouse presented a perspective though education and what has been learned from talking to teachers.
Finally, Baroness Morris of Yardley, and Eden Sill, a young expert with experiences of ABI, shared their personal experiences and thoughts on educational support currently being provided, with considerations as to what needs to change for those who are returning to education following an ABI.
To close off the day, Dr Alyson Norman, moderated a final discussion with a panel of experts. Each provided their professional reflections onto the future of ABI and how the NHS 10 Year Plan may influence the planning and delivery of rehabilitation in community settings.
Overall, the event was highly informative, effectively bringing together policymakers, researchers, and survivors to address the critical needs for change in ABI diagnosis, support, and rehabilitation across the UK.