Digital Transformation in an Evolving World

The world is constantly evolving, with digital applications becoming regular parts of daily living. These applications are bringing benefits across the healthcare industry, especially in prosthetic and orthotic treatment and care. Digitalisation is increasingly visible in design, manufacturing, patient management, and education. ISPO is capitalising on this evolution by staging the 18th World Congress as a digital event. The virtual edition has the theme of "Digital Transformation in an Evolving World". The top-class congress programme moves onto the virtual stage to discuss how the prosthetics, orthotics, and assistive technology sector can benefit from using digital technology.

"Our aim at ISPO is to optimise provision of prosthetic and orthotic care, rehabilitation engineering, and related areas globally, making service run smoother and, above all, better. Especially with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to discuss worldwide care and examine the digital opportunities that are available", explains Edward Lemaire, World Congress Chair and ISPO President. "What better way to do this than on a virtual stage? We will be taking advantage of the latest digital technology to reach out to participants across all continents and circumvent travel restrictions. I am looking forward to being part of the online worldwide meeting, talking about the latest innovations and exchanging experiences".

"Digital" topics at the congress include digital data collection and analysis, digital transformation in prosthetic care, and virtual systems for training in myoelectric prosthetics. While the digital topic will be explored, all aspects of prosthetic and orthotic care are included in the congress programme.

Renowned Experts and Aspiring Researchers

The virtual ISPO 18th World Congress includes keynotes, symposia, instructional courses and interactive formats, promising an interdisciplinary programme focussing on clinical and technical developments. Special highlights are the three keynote lectures by Dr Alarcos Cieza, Dr Matthew Major and Dr Alex Dickinson.

Dr Alarcos Cieza supervises work at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the fields of vision, hearing, disability, and rehabilitation in her role as Unit Head of Sensory Functions, Disability and Rehabilitation. She has also led the research units at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Pettenkofer School of Public Health at Ludwig-Maximilian-University in Munich for 10 years.

Dr Matthew Major lectures at Northwestern University and works as a Research Health Scientist at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago. His research focusses on the design and optimisation of rehabilitation interventions to enhance mobility and independence of individuals with musculoskeletal or neurological pathology.

Dr Alex Dickinson is a lecturer in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Southampton. From 2015 to 2020 he held a research fellowship at the Royal Academy of Engineering where he developed a team for working on data technologies to enhance the design and assessment of prosthetic limbs.

The popular IC2A Inspirational Lecture will kick off the virtual ISPO 18th World Congress and be delivered by Christopher Hutchison. In 2009, Hutchison was involved in an accident and both his legs had to be amputated. The deeper understanding he gained from this tragedy inspired him to work closely with prosthetists from around the world, developing comprehensive experience and knowledge of prosthetic fitting, especially in relation to sockets. This has allowed him to drive “user-generated innovation” and become a recognised positive “disruptor” in prosthetics, as co-founder and CTO of ProsFit, offering end-to-end digital solutions for prosthetics provision.

The complete congress programme can be found online at www.ispo-congress.com .

Virtual Industry Exhibition and Exhibitor Workshops

Companies from all over the world will be showcasing their latest product highlights in assistive technology in the digital exhibition area. In addition to the varied scientific programme, exhibitors will also be offering practical workshops. Their focus will be on the latest product developments and modern therapy options.

Registration for the ISPO 18th World Congress

The registration will be open by end of June.

Mexico Planned for 2023

The ISPO World Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico is postponed, not cancelled, and will still be taking place in 2023 as the 19th edition. More information will be provided in early 2022.

About the ISPO World Congress

Every two years, the global prosthetics and orthotics sector meets for the World Congress of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO). Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ISPO continues its mission to secure global knowledge exchange and interaction for all professionals involved in the care of patients in need of prosthetic, orthotic, mobility, and assistive devices. For the first time, ISPO will host the World Congress as a unique virtual event where professionals come together online to learn about the latest scientific and clinical advances, products, innovative technologies, designs, and materials in prosthetic and orthotic care.

About ISPO International: www.ispoint.org

The ISPO is a multidisciplinary organisation that operates worldwide and aims to improve the quality of life for persons who may benefit from the rehabilitation practice of prosthetic, orthotic, mobility and assistive technology by:

• Promoting multidisciplinary practice;
• Promoting research and evidence-based practice;
• Facilitating innovative and appropriate technology;
• Fostering international collaboration and consensus;
• Facilitating knowledge exchange.

ISPO membership includes all professionals involved in physical rehabilitation, i.e. prosthetists, orthotists, prosthetic and orthotic technicians, physical and occupational therapists, orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation doctors, biomechanical and rehabilitation engineers, community-based rehabilitation workers, as well as assistive technology service providers and users. Currently ISPO is represented by more than 3,300 individual members in over 100 countries all over the world. ISPO International is committed to a world in which all people have equal opportunities to fully participate in society.

ISPO 2021 online:

www.ispo-congress.com
Twitter: @ISPO_int
#ISPOcongress21