Events

Registration and refreshments will commence from 08:00, providing delegates with an opportunity to network with colleagues and visit exhibition stands before the conference programme begins at 09:00. The day will conclude at approximately 16:30.

A Focus on the Entire Recovery Journey

The conference programme has been carefully designed to reflect the growing recognition that recovery from critical illness extends far beyond discharge from the intensive care unit. Through a series of keynote presentations, workshops, patient experience sessions and interactive discussions, delegates will explore how services can improve rehabilitation and follow-up pathways in line with national recommendations.

The day will open with a welcome from Dr Michael Parris, KSS ACC ODN Medical Lead, and Sue Herson, Network Manager, who will provide a network update and set the scene for discussions around rehabilitation, and follow-up care.

Expert Speakers and National Perspectives

An opening presentation at the conference is from Dr Rachel Krol, Intensive Care Consultant and Clinical Lead at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, who will explore best practice across the ICU recovery pathway, including outcome measures, PICUPS and goal setting.

Delegates will also hear from leading rehabilitation professionals across the region who will discuss:

• Humanising critical care
• Person-centred rehabilitation
• Measuring and demonstrating impact
• Delivering high-quality follow-up services
• Multidisciplinary approaches to recovery after critical illness

The Importance of Lived Experience

One of the most anticipated sessions of the day will focus on the lived experience of patients and families recovering from critical illness. Presenters will share personal perspectives on rehabilitation, follow-up care and the role of ICU diaries in supporting recovery and healing. This session is expected to provide invaluable insight into the realities of recovery from an intensive care admission and the importance of compassionate, patient-centred care.

Interactive Workshops

The conference will include parallel workshops covering a range of specialist topics, including:

Swallowing, Communication and Airway Rehabilitation

• Intubation-related dysphagia and dysphonia
• Quality improvement initiatives in post-extubation dysphagia
• Above cuff vocalisation and communication support  

Complex Recovery and MDT Approaches

• Long-term weaning pathways
• Occupational therapy within rehabilitation and follow-up services
• Medicines optimisation and pharmacy-led discharge review following critical illness

These workshops will provide practical learning and examples of innovation currently being implemented across critical care services.

Innovation in Rehabilitation

Innovation will be a key theme throughout the day, including a presentation from Dr Luke Hodgson on the use of smartwatch technology to monitor physical activity and support recovery following critical illness. Delegates will also hear how patient-reported outcome measures can be used to optimise rehabilitation pathways and improve services within limited resources.

Psychological Recovery and Family Support

Recognising the significant psychological impact of critical illness, the final sessions of the day will focus on:

• Psychological trauma after intensive care
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Family recovery needs
• The role of ICU diaries in meaning-making, healing and recovery

These presentations will highlight the importance of addressing both physical and psychological recovery as part of a holistic rehabilitation pathway.

Posters, Sustainability and Awards

Throughout the day, delegates will have the opportunity to view poster presentations highlighting quality improvement projects, service developments and research initiatives from across the region. A sustainability showcase will also demonstrate how environmental considerations can be integrated into critical care practice. The conference will conclude with awards, reflections and closing remarks celebrating the innovation and dedication of teams working to improve outcomes for patients recovering from critical illness.

The KSS ACC ODN would like to thank all speakers, delegates, exhibitors and sponsors for their support in making this event possible. We look forward to welcoming attendees to what promises to be an engaging day of learning, collaboration and shared commitment to improving rehabilitation and follow-up care across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.