Content
21 November 2024
Register here.November 21st (Canada)/November 22nd, 2024 (Australia)
4 PM Mountain, 12 PM Australian Eastern Time
Mobilizing the Physiotherapy Workforce for Suicide Prevention
Have you ever had a patient disclose that they were contemplating suicide? Did you know what to say or do in response?
Have you ever ended a clinical encounter worried that your patient was exhibiting red flags for suicide risk? Did you wish you were better equipped to address the situation?
What role do physiotherapists, as primary care providers, have in suicide prevention?
In this webinar presentation, Ryan McGrath and Sophie Shephard will make the case for upskilling physiotherapists to screen for suicide risk and connect people experiencing suicidal ideation to mental health professionals.
Actions considered in scope versus those considered beyond the scope of practice of the physiotherapy profession will be discussed.
Ryan McGrath BPhysio(Hons) is a physiotherapist, PhD candidate at Charles Sturt University, and academic at The University of Melbourne. Ryan’s PhD explores physiotherapists’ experiences with clients experiencing psychological and suicidal distress. Ryan has volunteered as a telephone crisis supporter and is currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Psychology.
Sophie Shephard is an APA Titled Pain Physiotherapist, committee member of the New South Wales Branch of the APA Pain Group, & Director of Vive Pain & Fatigue. She has extensive clinical experience working with clients experiencing distress & suicidal distress in association with their complex health conditions, and has collaborated with Ryan on several publications and projects relating to these issues in physiotherapy practice. She is also a current PhD candidate at Charles Sturt University, exploring issues of rural health inequity and social justice in pain management.
