Advanced course in Occupational therapy for patients with severe acquired brain injuries

People with severe acquired brain injuries (severe ABI) present substantial sensory-motor and cognitive disabilities that result in a significant, negative impact on quality of life and the Italian health system. These problems make participation in everyday life, work and interpersonal relationships more difficult. Occupational therapy is particularly important for these people because it aids patients in regaining their social and working life, thereby having a positive effect on their quality of life. The role of the occupational therapist is to globally assess the many aspects that limit the patient’s participation in normal life, systematically analysing them and identifying strategies to increase the patient’s personal autonomy. This advanced course is designed to provide occupational therapists with in-depth training specifically in the field of rehabilitation for cognitive and sensory-motor disturbances in severe ABI. The course provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to work with severe ABI patients and their families. It also looks at specific assessment tools, treatment and rehabilitative programmes based on the latest scientific evidence.