Brightest minds in stroke unite to share exciting new research

Australia and New Zealand’s brightest minds in stroke will join forces to showcase the latest in stroke prevention and research at a major conference in Melbourne, next week.  
 
The combined Smart Strokes Nursing and Allied Health Conference and 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Stroke Society of Australasia brings together leaders in stroke, to share ideas that will improve the care of stroke patients locally and across the world.   

Stroke Society of Australasia (SSA) President, Professor Tim Kleinig said the annual event provides an exciting opportunity to look at the innovations being made in stroke treatment and care.   

“This is a great opportunity to have Australasian leaders in the stroke world come together, share ideas and showcase the advancements and bright ideas in the stroke world and how they will have real-world impact.”  
 
Some of the research being showcased addresses closing the gap in hospital stroke care, the use of artificial intelligence in communication, enhancing rehabilitation outcomes for First Nations people and improving information for carers. 
 
“It’s important to have the patient at the heart of everything we do and the research projects we will be showcasing absolutely highlight that.”    
 
It is estimated more than one in four people globally will have a stroke in their lifetime. Stroke is one of the biggest killers in New Zealand and Australia and is a leading cause of disability.  
 
“It’s at events like this where we can share the ideas and research that will help reduce death and disability from stroke, locally and globally.” Professor Kleinig said. 
 
Being held at Centrepiece, in Melbourne, nestled in Australia's heart of sports and entertainment, the theme of this year’s event is Championing Care and will shine a spotlight on the patient and people with lived experience through highlighting co-designed research, patient advocacy initiatives and improvements in patient outcomes.  
 
The conference will also feature guest talks from International world leaders in stroke including Professor Michael Hill (Canada), who will discuss enhancing acute ischaemic reperfusion therapies, Professor Lisa Kidd (U.K.), who will discuss embedding support self-management in stroke care, and Professor Mathew Reeves (U.S.A) who share what he has learned through 20 years’ experience in Stroke Quality improvement through the U.S.A ‘Get with the Guidelines’ program. There will also be a lived experience panel led by Stroke Foundation. 

The 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Stroke Society of Australasia and Smart Strokes will begin on Tuesday, August 22 and finish on Friday, August 25 at Centrepiece in Melbourne, Australia. 
 
Visit the website for more information. The full schedule can be found here.  

Table of abstracts being showcased at the conference: