Speaker Series

Objectives:

• Participants will gain a practical, clinically relevant understanding of hemorrhoidal disease across patient populations, including spinal cord injury (SCI).
• Understand the prevalence and risk factors of hemorrhoids, including why patients with SCI are at increased risk
• Differentiate the four types of hemorrhoids and recognize key symptoms such as bleeding, pain, soiling, prolapse, and thrombosis
• Evaluate symptom severity vs. clinical grading and recognize patterns of underreporting
• Compare hemorrhoidal disease in the general population vs. SCI patients
• Review evidence-based management approaches, including conservative care and when procedural intervention may be required
• Apply clinical pearls to improve patient comfort, outcomes, and quality of life

Objectives:

• Describe the underlying pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and its associated clinical signs and symptoms.
• Review the epidemiology of ALS, including known environmental exposures and risk factors.
• Explain the role of gut microbiota dysregulation and neuron-toxic molecules in ALS disease progression.
• Identify common gastrointestinal symptoms and bowel dysfunction observed in individuals with ALS.
• Discuss evidence-informed strategies for the assessment and management of constipation in patients with ALS.

Objectives:

• Aging and Pathology of IAD – Learn how aging impacts skin integrity and the biological processes behind IAD. Takeaway: Older adults require proactive, evidence-based care to reduce skin breakdown.
• Prevalence and Risk Factors – Understand how common IAD is and the factors that contribute to its development. Takeaway: Early identification and addressing risks holistically improves outcomes.
• Body Positioning and Nutrition – Explore the role of positioning and nutrition in maintaining skin health and supporting recovery. Takeaway: Proper positioning and adequate nutrition are vital for healing and prevention.
• Prevention and Daily Care – Review best practices for IAD prevention, including cleansing, moisturizing, and routine skin care. Takeaway: Consistent, gentle daily care reduces complications and maintains skin integrity.
• Barrier Products and Treatment – Learn about commonly used barrier products and their correct application. Takeaway: Selecting and applying the right barrier enhances protection and patient comfort.

Objectives:

• Stroke overview: Understand the epidemiology and impact of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
• Bowel health in stroke: Learn how the brain-gut axis contributes to constipation and incontinence.
• Clinical tools: Apply the Bristol Stool Chart and nursing care plans to improve outcomes.
• Targeted care: Explore evidence-based bowel interventions, including ENEMEEZ®.
• Quality of life: Support recovery by reducing complications and enhancing patient comfort.

Objectives:

• Why bowel management is important in the brain injury patient
• Bowel management in the brain injury survivor in the acute rehabilitation setting
• Long-term complications of inadequate bowel management
• Bowel management considerations in the chronic brain injury patient

Objectives:

• Understand the incidence and prevalence of oral mucositis in cancer patients
• Describe the pathophysiological development of mucositis
• Identify key risk factors contributing to the onset of oral mucositis
• Recognize the clinical manifestations and progression of mucositis
• Interpret commonly used oral mucositis assessment scales
• Differentiate mucositis presentation in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients vs. those receiving systemic chemotherapy
• Discuss the short- and long-term consequences of oral mucositis on patient health and treatment adherence
• Evaluate current treatment strategies for managing oral mucositis
• Promote patient education strategies and preventive measures for oral mucositis
• Understand the impact of radiation treatment planning
• Implement evidence-based approaches to managing oral mucositis in clinical practice