The 2025 Southern African Spinal Cord Association (SASCA) Congress took place last week with medical practitioners in the spinal cord injury (SCI) field gathering to share their knowledge.
Topic ranged from new findings in spine surgery and the value of 3D-printing assistive devices to the mental health resources needed for people with disabilities post rehabilitation.
Evident during the Congress was the dedication of the medical practitioners to providing patients with the best possible recovery and quality of life following rehabilitation. Many of the presentations were focused on empowering patients through knowledge sharing, peer support, mental health resources and return to work.
Jessica Morris, a senior occupational therapist at the Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital, presented on the work that the hospital is doing to assist patients with returning to work after rehabilitation. The team worked with the employer and the patient to ensure they will be able to return to work, which might include a new job.
A key finding from their programme was the need to intervene early and build the patient’s confidence. Once empowered with support, confidence and problem-solving skills, the patient was able to successfully take up work. Among the small group of people who they have assisted, more than half are back at work either full or part time.
Social worker at Muelmed Rehabilitation, Marelise de Wet, spoke about the structured peer support programme that is being developed to ensure better support for people with spinal cord injuries.
Psychologist Nkcubeko Briann Mkiva shared advise on how to better support patients as they come to terms with their disability, empower patients to live a purposeful life, and the psychology behind sexuality after a SCI.
Stephanie Jacobs shared about the impact of the wheelchair maintenance groups held at the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre, which is educating and empowering the patients to take better care of their assistive devices.
We will be sharing more information from the Congress, including some deep dives into topics discussed, in the coming issues. Be sure to stay tuned!
