Under the theme “Practical Approaches in Rehabilitation Medicine and Psychology”, is presented by the Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies (ESCRS) and the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, in collaboration with the European Medical Association and the Emirates Medical Association. Taking place alongside International Mental Health Day, the congress highlights the urgent need for mental health awareness and effective rehabilitation strategies in today’s world. By bringing together leading healthcare experts, policymakers, and researchers from across Europe and the Arab region, EAMC 2025 provides a unique platform to exchange evidence-based practices, discover new innovations, and promote patient-centered care.
Fostering Global Collaboration and Innovation in Healthcare: The Vision and Impact of the European Arab Medical Congress 2025
The European Arab Medical Congress 2025 serves as a distinguished platform dedicated to fostering scientific collaboration, advancing medical research, and promoting innovation across Europe and the Arab world. Convened in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the Congress embodies the nation’s vision of inclusivity, accessibility, and excellence in healthcare, championed by forward-looking leadership and strategic partnerships. Through the collective efforts of the Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies and the Emirates Medical Association, this event brings together eminent scholars, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers to exchange expertise and explore emerging trends in medical science and clinical practice. The Congress underscores the critical importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and international cooperation as essential drivers of progress in an era marked by rapid technological advancement and evolving healthcare challenges. By uniting institutions, governments, and nonprofit organizations under a shared commitment to improving patient care and health outcomes, the initiative strengthens regional and global ties within the medical community. Furthermore, it highlights the UAE’s role as a hub for scientific dialogue and innovation, contributing to the advancement of evidence-based practices, research capacity-building, and sustainable healthcare development. Ultimately, the European Arab Medical Congress 2025 aspires to inspire lasting partnerships, promote the exchange of cutting-edge knowledge, and elevate the standards of healthcare delivery across borders—making a meaningful impact on the well-being of societies worldwide.
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Integrating Peak Experiences Through Art Therapy: Anchors of Healing in Trauma
Psychological integration is central to healing yet often overlooked in clinical practice, especially in trauma-informed and culturally diverse contexts. This paper offers insights into defining integration and explores how integrating peak experiences that occur after psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms, can facilitate psychological healing. These findings are based on a doctoral study that examined the lived experience of integrating peak experiences through art therapy, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and Arts-Based Research (ABR). In a doctoral study, participants engaged in semi-structured interviews, interwoven with two art therapy sessions to access and integrate embodied memory, emotion, and symbolic material. Of the thirteen participants, five explored peak experiences that occurred after significant psychological pain, trauma, and anxiety. This paper focuses on these five participants and the findings that illustrate how the integration of peak experiences can become essential in dealing with trauma. Findings revealed that the creative process within art therapy catalyzed a movement from emotional fragmentation to coherence, fostering resilience, clarity, and deeper self-awareness. The findings highlight how integration is not merely retrospective meaning-making, but a transformative rehabilitation process that alters one's worldview and strengthens relational and intrapersonal connections. Participants described increased emotional regulation, renewed purpose, and spiritual grounding—outcomes aligned with recovery from depression, anxiety, and trauma. The use of both IPA and ABR methodologies provided access to verbal and non-verbal components of integration, resulting in a practical, culturally informed approach to supporting clients in therapeutic rehabilitation. IPA’s idiographic focus and the expressive insights from ABR enable a multidimensional analysis of how peak experiences—often marked by awe, conflict, and ineffability—can be harnessed for growth. This work contributes to innovation in mental health treatment by presenting a model of integration that honors both verbal and non-verbal, personal and collective, cognitive and symbolic dimensions of healing.
Perceptions of community rehabilitation team members towards recovery-oriented practices in mental health care
Introduction: Community mental health services are well known to improve continuity of care, improve adherence and prevent rehospitalization for patients with chronic mental illnesses as they are both evidenced based and rehabilitation focused. Provision of services in individual’s own living, learning and work environment are known to strengthen families, social networks and communities. Objectives: Over two years we have qualitatively assessed the understanding of health care professionals, practices, potential barriers and possible solutions for implementing recovery-oriented practices in mental health care. Methods: Semi structured interviews were conducted with 54 health professionals working with users having serious mental illnesses as part of community mental health teams and delivering rehabilitation service to over 1000 service users annually. Qualitative analysis was done for the data. Results: 70% mental health staff reported that recovery approaches were largely directed towards resolution of symptoms of mental illnesses and often did not encompass the bio-psycho-social domains of patient’s life. 60% health care team members had lesser hope and expectations for users’ recovery. Discussion: The most common barrier for rehabilitation includes pharmacological focus of treatment, shortage of multidisciplinary teams, limited intersectoral collaboration and treatment approaches seldom assessing person’s strengths, needs, abilities and preferences. Conclusions: Rehabilitation practices are focused on adaptation of individual and fostering self-efficacy which eventually culminates into regaining independence and community integration. This necessitates health care attitudinal change at policy and strategic level, mobilization of resources, shift of focus to person-centered, strengths-based approaches and respecting users’ choices and differences. The model of recovery colleges is cornerstone for establishing rehabilitation practices.
Epilepsy in Children: Beyond Seizure Control
Background & Objectives: Seizure control is essential in paediatric epilepsy, yet comorbidities such as ADHD, learning disorders, anxiety, and sleep disturbances often have a greater impact on quality of life and long-term outcomes. Despite their prevalence, these conditions remain under-recognized, particularly where rehabilitation and psychological services lack consistent insurance coverage. This presentation aims to highlight common comorbidities, outline evidence-based screening strategies, and propose multidisciplinary pathways that extend beyond seizure management. Methods & Results: Drawing on recent meta-analyses, international guidelines, and clinical experience, we summarize the burden of neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, sleep, and physical health comorbidities in epilepsy. We introduce a structured “5-minute clinic checklist” to support routine screening and demonstrate, through a clinical vignette, how combined interventions—neurology, psychology, occupational and speech therapy, and school-based support—improve academic, behavioural, and psychosocial outcomes. Conclusions & Implications: Addressing comorbidities is integral to pediatric epilepsy care. Systematic screening and coordinated rehabilitation improve outcomes, while policy efforts must ensure equitable insurance coverage for psychological and rehabilitative services.
Harm reduction from drug users to global health
Background The harm reduction paradigm emerged in the 1990s to address injection drug use and was progressively extended to all drug users. This approach has reshaped public health practice, significantly reducing HIV transmission and, more recently, opioid-related overdoses. Methods Through North–South and South–South cooperation, NGOs and patient associations have played a central role in implementing harm reduction strategies. Evidence-based practice and pragmatic policies, including cannabis decriminalization and the introduction of medical cannabis in several countries, have facilitated safer and more controlled use. Results The harm reduction model has demonstrated substantial public health benefits, advancing both individual health outcomes and human rights. Its principles are applicable beyond addictions, with potential relevance in fields such as cardiology, oncology, endocrinology, and neurology. Importantly, the paradigm is now increasingly adopted in countries of the Global South, where prevention has often been neglected in favor of costly technological solutions. Conclusion At a time when health system sustainability is critical, harm reduction offers a balanced, cost-effective, and rights-based approach. The extension of this paradigm beyond addiction medicine may contribute to more equitable and sustainable health development.
Effectiveness of Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs at Zayed Higher Organization for Persons with Disabilities (People of Determination)
Effectiveness of Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs at Zayed Higher Organization for Persons with Disabilities (People of Determination) (An Approach in Light of the Lived Experiences of Beneficiaries with Disabilities) Background This study addresses the effectiveness of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programs implemented at Zayed Higher Organization in Abu Dhabi for persons with disabilities (People of Determination). It explores the extent to which these programs fulfill their intended objectives and contribute to the empowerment and social inclusion of the targeted beneficiaries. Objectives The study aims to: Evaluate the effectiveness of community-based rehabilitation programs in achieving their goals for persons with disabilities. Assess the efficiency of these programs in enhancing social participation and empowerment. Examine the lived experiences of beneficiaries and their families to understand the real impact of the programs. Methodology A qualitative research approach was adopted through in-depth field interviews with people with disabilities (People of Determination) and their families, with a total of 20 interviews for each group. The study also drew on relevant literature and previous research addressing community-based rehabilitation. Results The findings revealed that the programs implemented by Zayed Higher Organization achieved high levels of reintegration, empowerment, and social rehabilitation for people with disabilities. The programs played a crucial and effective role in facilitating the inclusion of people with disabilities into society. Furthermore, their effectiveness significantly contributed to the quality of outcomes, particularly in terms of the integration process. Recommendations The study recommends expanding and updating the rehabilitation operations and programs, incorporating the suggestions provided by beneficiaries during the interviews, and enhancing development and improvement efforts in community-based rehabilitation to address challenges arising from ongoing social changes.
Psychophysiological methods in clinical studies and rehabilitation
The crucial question for medical assessment and, especially, intervention is if the assessment enough specific and sensible and if the intervention is capable to produce a significant improvement in the patient's condition. However, many therapeutic methods have just a little or unknown effectiveness. The gold standard of evidence-based medicine is a large double-blind placebo-controlled study. But, besides the clinical studies organization, it's important to use the most sensitive approach for assessment of patient's condition changes. The neovascularization and other physiological measurements allow us to evaluate even slight differences in the activity of Central or Peripheral Nervous systems, that cannot be detected by behavioural or self-report diagnostic. Moreover, neovascularization is particularly useful for assessment of people with severe mental conditions, which makes verbal report impossible. Objective. We are going to review several valid and reliable ERP paradigms that have been used for evaluation of brain response changes. Furthermore, the emerging approaches will be described. Another useful application of physiological methods is stimulation of nervous system to enhance or suppress the specific neuronal activity. Despite these methods are common practice in many clinics, the last research results provide a great view to improvement the effectiveness of nervous system stimulation methods. We will describe the new approaches for improvement of current methods of brain stimulation.
Beyond the Standard: Culturally oriented Approaches to Trauma and PTSD and Intervention
In an increasingly multicultural world, the traditional, Western-centric models of trauma diagnosis and intervention often fall short. This presentation explores the latest advancements in trauma treatment, highlighting the critical need for culturally oriented approaches ( Co-BEP, Co-EMDR). We will examine how a patient’s cultural background, belief system, and social context fundamentally influence the expression and processing of trauma, as well as their response to treatment. This talk provides a comprehensive overview of recent updates in the diagnosis and evidence-based interventions for PTSD and trauma-related disorders. More importantly, it shifts the focus to practical strategies for integrating cultural sensitivity into clinical practice. By moving beyond the standard, we can foster a more inclusive and effective form of care that respects and adapts to the diverse experiences of individuals, ultimately leading to better outcomes for a wider range of patients.
AI Psychosis: When Technology Shapes Delusional Thinking
Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how people perceive and interact with the world. AI-generated deepfakes, chatbots, and conversational agents can blur the line between reality and fabrication, potentially triggering or reinforcing delusional thinking in vulnerable individuals. This presentation explores the emerging phenomenon of AI Psychosis, examining clinical observations and mechanisms by which technology influences cognition and belief. The presentation aims to provide clinicians and researchers with insights into recognizing technology-related delusional phenomena and to showcase ethical challenges and recommendations for mental healthcare.
Physiotherapy Across the Perinatal Spectrum
The perinatal period presents a critical time for a woman’s physical health, functional ability, and overall well-being. Physical challenges that demand specialized rehabilitation strategies will arise. Physiotherapy encompasses both prenatal and postnatal phases, during pregnancy, and post-delivery. It plays a vital role in optimizing maternal outcomes by addressing musculoskeletal changes, preventing injury, and facilitating safe recovery after childbirth. Physiotherapy works on restoring pelvic floor and core function, reducing pain, and preventing long-term complications such as diastasis recti and incontinence. This presentation explores evidence-based physiotherapy interventions tailored to the unique demands of pregnancy and the postpartum period, including core and pelvic floor rehabilitation, postural correction, safe exercise prescription, and strategies for pain management. This session will outline evidence-based assessment tools, targeted exercise interventions, and early rehabilitation approaches tailored to each stage of the perinatal journey. Case studies will highlight practical applications in preventing complications such as diastasis recti, pelvic girdle pain, and postpartum incontinence, while promoting functional independence and return to activity. Attendees will gain insight into assessment tools, early intervention techniques, and multidisciplinary collaboration models that support both maternal and neonatal health. Through proactive, individualized care, physiotherapists play a vital role in ensuring strong, safe, and healthy beginnings for both mother and child. By empowering women through targeted rehabilitation, physiotherapists can bridge the gap between pregnancy, recovery, and long-term physical wellness.
Chronic Pain and Gender: Biological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications for Personalized Pain Medicine
Chronic pain is a prevalent and complex complication among critically ill patients, significantly impacting quality of life, functional status, and mental health. Its management is particularly challenging due to the multifaceted nature of pain, which involves biological, psychological, and social dimensions. Traditional approaches focusing solely on pharmacologic interventions often fall short in addressing the diverse needs of this patient population. A multidisciplinary approach, integrating pain specialists, physicians from various disciplines, psychologists, physical therapists, and social workers, has emerged as a cornerstone in the effective management of chronic pain in critically ill and recovery-phase patients. This model emphasizes personalized care, combining pharmacological strategies with psychological therapy, physical rehabilitation, and social support, aiming to reduce pain intensity, improve functional outcomes, and enhance psychological wellbeing. This review highlights the importance and principles of multidisciplinary pain management frameworks specific to the critically ill population. It explores the current evidence supporting integrated interventions, discusses the challenges in implementation, and emphasizes the need for comprehensive assessment tools that capture the multidimensional aspects of pain. The role of advanced pain assessment techniques, non-pharmacologic therapies, and patient-centered goal setting are underscored as critical components of effective treatment. Additionally, this paper advocates early intervention and ongoing reassessment tailored to individual patient trajectories, fostering improved recovery and quality of life. Recognizing the complexity of chronic pain following critical illness, adopting a multidisciplinary, holistic approach is essential for optimal patient outcomes, emphasizing both pain relief and functional rehabilitation within critical care and post-acute settings.
Pediatric Rehabilitation: Integrating Art Therapy, Early Screening and Bridging Multidisciplinary Care for Rare Genetic Diseases and Autism in the Gulf
Early assessment and timely psychological support are critical to pediatric rehabilitation, particularly for conditions of high prevalence and social impact in Gulf communities such as rare genetic diseases and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), more than 270 genetic diseases have been documented, approximately 60% inherited through autosomal recessive patterns, with birth defects ranking as the fourth leading cause of death (Al-Gazali & Ali, 2010; Christianson et al., 2006). Across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), ASD prevalence continues to rise, with rates reported at 29 per 10,000 in the UAE, 1.4 per 10,000 in Oman, and 1.14% in Qatar (Alrehaili, 2023; Fouad Alshaban et al., 2019). Despite these figures, early screening, timely diagnosis, and culturally adapted interventions remain inconsistent, hindered by fragmented services, stigma, and limited cross-sector collaboration (Hajat et al., 2012). Drawing on clinical practice across Qatar, the UAE, and Singapore, this presentation outlines an integrated rehabilitation model combining early, culturally informed assessment with art therapy and other expressive non-verbal psychotherapeutic approaches. These methods facilitate emotional expression, strengthen ego resilience, and support developmental milestones in children with limited verbal capacity (Slayton et al., 2010). Case studies demonstrate creative strategies adapted to local cultural and religious norms, promote trust, engagement, and family participation. The model emphasizes family inclusion, training for organizations, medical doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to recognize psychosocial needs utilizing creative methods, integrate therapeutic principles into daily care, and collaborating effectively. Such capacity-building, coupled with coordinated family and community involvement, ensures continuity of support across medical, educational, and social systems. This multidisciplinary and multi-pronged approach bridges the gap between physical and psychological rehabilitation, improving quality of life, resilience, and long-term outcomes for medical and developmentally vulnerable children particularly in the Gulf. Moving forward, aligning these strategies with national health priorities, such as Qatar’s National Autism Plan and UAE public health frameworks, while fostering cross-border collaboration with public and private sectors across GCC countries and beyond will strengthen early screening, intervention, treatment effectiveness, sustainability, policy integration, and regional impact.
Bridging Gaps in Understanding: Parental Awareness of Sensory Integration Challenges and the Urgent Need for Neuroaffirming Support in Abu Dhabi
In the rapidly evolving landscape of pediatric neurodevelopmental care, sensory integration differences remain widely misunderstood, particularly in the Gulf region where cultural perceptions, educational systems, and healthcare pathways are still catching up with global neurodiversity discourse. For many families in Abu Dhabi, navigating their child’s sensory needs is an isolating experience, social stigma, and inconsistent professional guidance. Method and result summary: This study investigates the current level of parental awareness and understanding of sensory integration challenges among parents of neurodivergent children aged 3–8 years in Abu Dhabi. It also explores how families cope, seek help, and interpret their children's behaviours in the absence of widespread neuroaffirming support systems. Using a mixed-methods design, the research draws from both survey data and qualitative interviews with parents across varied socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Preliminary findings reveal that while many parents intuitively recognize sensory-related difficulties, there is limited conceptual understanding of what these behaviours signify. The absence of consistent, affirming language and support has left families reliant on fragmented advice or school-based referrals, often after a child’s difficulties have escalated. However, exposure to neuroaffirming and sensory-informed approaches significantly altered parental insight, fostering empathy, acceptance, and proactive caregiving strategies. Conclusion and Implication: The study calls for urgent action: integrating neuroaffirming practices into Abu Dhabi’s healthcare, therapy, and education sectors is not just best practice, it is a human necessity. By shifting from a deficit model to one that validates sensory and neurological differences, professionals can empower parents, reduce stigma, and support neurodivergent children in thriving rather than surviving. This presentation offers a roadmap for change one that begins with understanding, centers lived experience and ends with systemic transformation in support of neurodiversity.
Longevity-Focused Rehabilitation: A New Paradigm for Healthspan Recovery
The current model of rehabilitation in medicine primarily focuses on restoring patients to baseline functional status following injury, illness, or surgical intervention; however, in the era of longevity science, we are presented with the opportunity to design rehabilitation pathways that extend beyond recovery toward regeneration and healthspan extension. This 10-minute presentation introduces a longevity-focused rehabilitation model that integrates evidence-based lifestyle medicine interventions targeting inflammation, mitochondrial function, metabolic flexibility, and neuroplasticity to accelerate recovery while simultaneously reversing key drivers of biological aging. Drawing on insights from epigenetic biomarkers, functional diagnostics, and precision lifestyle protocols, the talk will highlight how rehabilitation can evolve into a proactive, biologically informed process aligned with emerging global health priorities, shifting healthcare from reactive disease treatment to proactive longevity promotion. By embedding personalized, upstream interventions into rehabilitation, clinicians can reduce recurrence risk, enhance recovery speed, and improve resilience at both the cellular and systemic levels. Designed for rehabilitation professionals, physicians, and health system leaders, this presentation will provide practical insights into transforming rehabilitation programs into high-impact drivers of healthspan, empowering patients not only to recover but to emerge biologically stronger and more functionally independent than before.
Perimenopausal Mental Health: Diagnostic Challenges and Treatment Pathways
Perimenopause represents a vulnerable period for women’s mental health, shaped by complex biological, psychological, and sociocultural changes. Emerging research highlights a strong association between hormonal fluctuations during this transition and the onset or worsening of mood and anxiety disorders. This presentation explores the diverse impact of perimenopause on mental health, based on current evidence examining biological mechanisms, psychosocial stressors, and diagnostic challenges. It introduces practical clinical tools for assessment and discusses both pharmacological and hormonal treatment strategies, with an emphasis on individualized care and the careful consideration of treatment interactions. It highlights the need for integrated, woman-centered mental health services and calls for greater clinician awareness to support early identification and intervention. Promoting clinical education and awareness of this under-recognized condition is essential to advancing gender-responsive mental health care.
Practice-Based Evidence in Rehabilitation: Exploring an Emerging Theme through a Narrative Review
Introduction / Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the gold standard in rehabilitation, yet clinical work often relies on practice-based evidence (PBE) — knowledge drawn from experience, reflection, and peer exchange. Sometimes described as “clinical intuition,” PBE can be invaluable when patient needs or contexts fall outside the scope of formal research. Aim / Objectives: To explore how PBE is understood and applied in rehabilitation, and its relationship with EBP. Objectives are to: 1. Review definitions and frameworks for PBE. 2. Investigate its relationship and tensions with EBP. 3. Identify practical examples of PBE in multidisciplinary practice. Methods: This presentation is motivated by early findings from my ongoing study, “Exploring the perceptions and experiences of South African SLTs regarding their use of social media as a tool for accessing clinical knowledge.” To explore this emerging theme further, a narrative review will be conducted with relevant research articles. Articles on PBE, tacit knowledge, and clinical reasoning in rehabilitation will be screened and synthesised thematically. Conclusion / Implications: Preliminary analysis from my primary research suggests that PBE significantly influences how clinicians adapt information from diverse sources when EBP alone is insufficient. Insights from both the literature and these early findings will inform discussion on how PBE can be recognised, refined, and intentionally integrated with EBP to strengthen patient-centred care.
Animal-Assisted Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Violence and Abuse Survivors
The abstract highlights the integration of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) in the rehabilitation of survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and child abuse at the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC), the UAE’s first licensed non-profit shelter. AAT is a complementary therapeutic approach that supports mental, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being. Survivors of violence often present with PTSD, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, flashbacks, and low self-esteem. Research on human-animal bonding demonstrates that interactions with therapy animals reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness, while enhancing self-worth, psychological well-being, and emotional stability. Therapy animals—including dogs, cats, horses, birds, turtles, hamsters, and ducks—were integrated into the rehabilitation programs. The human-animal bond facilitated spontaneous communication, comfort, and reduced isolation, especially for clients residing in the shelter. Animals often acted as catalysts in therapy, enhancing emotional regulation, social interaction, mental stimulation, and reducing stress-induced behaviors. Observations of client interactions and their reciprocal responses suggest that Animal-Assisted Therapy fosters emotional regulation, improves social communication skills, reduces symptoms of anxiety and PTSD, and enhances self-esteem and overall psychological well-being. These findings support the use of AAT as an effective complementary intervention within rehabilitation programs, offering a holistic and compassionate approach to the healing and empowerment of survivors of violence and abuse.
The Role of Diagnostic Imaging in Preventing and Managing Post-Treatment Breast Cancer Complications: An Integrated Perspective for Rehabilitators and Psychologists
This presentation explores the crucial role of diagnostic imaging in the comprehensive management of breast cancer patients post-treatment, offering an integrated perspective relevant to both rehabilitators and psychologists. For rehabilitators, imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, and lymphoscintigraphy provide invaluable tools for early identification and precise monitoring of complications, including lymphedema, post-radiation fibrosis, scar adhesions, and musculoskeletal dysfunctions resulting from surgery and radiotherapy, thereby directly guiding and optimizing rehabilitation interventions. For psychologists, the session emphasizes the psychological impact of complication-related fears, showing how diagnostic clarity, even when reassuring, can reduce patient anxiety, while also addressing the influence of post-reconstruction imaging on body image, self-perception, and overall psychological well-being. Key aspects include imaging-based assessment of lymphedema, monitoring of post-radiotherapy tissue changes, radiological evaluation of musculoskeletal pain and functional limitations, and the critical importance of a shared language and interdisciplinary communication among radiologists, rehabilitators, and psychologists to ensure truly holistic patient care.
Rehabilitation medicine as a practical approach in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases
Introduction: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) represents a cardiology subspecialty that is devoted to the care of cardiac patients, early and long term after an acute event. CR, as a multidisciplinary care pathway, aims at improving both quality of life and prognosis through risk and prognostic stratification, clinical stabilization and optimization of therapy, management of comorbidities, treatment of disability, and the provision of sustained long-term preventive and rehabilitative services. The mission of CR has changed over time. From being centred on the acute phase, health care of cardiac patients is increasingly involving the long-term chronic phase. Methods: A review of barriers, how to overcome them and outcomes. Cardiac rehabilitation remains underutilized around the world, Particularly in certain categories of patients, social categories, etc. (women, elderly, ...), despite proven benefits in reducing morbidity and mortality, multiple Class I, Level of Evidence: A guideline recommendations, and performance measures supporting its use. Conclusions and implcations: Cardiac rehabilitation programs are cost-effective for healthcare systems due to their ability to reduce hospital readmissions, improve patient outcomes, and potentially lower long-term healthcare costs. They achieve this by addressing various factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease and its complications, leading to improved quality of life and reduced burden on healthcare resources.
Cultural Competency in Speech Therapy: Bridging Communication Across Cultures
With the current multicultural clinical landscape, cultural competency is not a supplementary skill but a core element of effective speech-language pathology. This presentation explores the role of cultural competency in enhancing communication outcomes and client engagement across diverse populations, particularly in the acute care setting. It will address cultural and linguistic variables—such as communication styles, beliefs about disability, and attitudes toward therapy—shape both assessment and intervention. Attendees will gain insight into evidence-based strategies for culturally responsive practice, including adapting standardized assessments, working with interpreters, and applying principles of cultural humility. Case examples will highlight common clinical challenges and practical solutions. The session also emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development in cultural awareness to reduce disparities and promote equity in speech therapy services. Participants will leave with a toolkit of strategies to bridge communication gaps and foster inclusive, person-centered care in a culturally diverse clinical environment.
Narrative Review of Spasticity Management in the United Arab Emirates
Spasticity is a complex motor disorder characterized by increased muscle tone and exaggerated tendon reflexes, often resulting from upper motor neuron lesions. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the management of spasticity presents unique challenges and opportunities due to rapid healthcare development, cultural factors, and the increasing burden of neurological diseases. This narrative review explores the current landscape, challenges, and future prospects of spasticity management in the UAE, emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches, rehabilitation, pharmacologic interventions, surgical options, and national initiatives.
Silent Symbols, Spoken Stories: Thematic Insights from an Art Therapy Program with Migrant Construction Workers
Migrant workers often endure complex psychological stressors stemming from relocation, cultural disruption, limited legal protections, and exploitative working conditions. This qualitative case study explores the inner emotional landscapes of 25 migrant construction workers through a short-term art therapy program. Participants engaged in structured and open studio sessions, producing a wide range of artworks. Primary data sources included the visual content of the artworks and participants’ accompanying verbal reflections. Thematic analysis revealed recurring themes of vulnerability, loss of home, identity and culture, fragile sense of self, family, faith and others. These emerging themes offer insight into the psychological realities of migrant workers and underscore the importance of accessible, culturally sensitive mental health interventions. Art therapy served as a non-verbal, symbolic means through which participants could externalize internal conflicts, establish emotional distance, and reflect on personal meaning. The findings highlight the need for broader psychosocial support systems for migrant populations, particularly those living in restrictive or high-stress environments.
Early intervention for young people with eating disorders
Eating disorders represent serious mental health conditions that are associated with significant physical, psychosocial, and economic burdens. These disorders frequently emerge during adolescence, a critical period for brain maturation and psychosocial development. Early intervention is essential to maximize the likelihood of recovery. This presentation will outline the development and key findings of the First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) service in the United Kingdom. Evaluations of the FREED model have demonstrated promising outcomes, including reduced wait times, improved treatment engagement, and enhanced clinical recovery compared to standard care pathways. Optimal care necessitates the involvement of skilled, multidisciplinary teams capable of addressing nutritional, physical, and psychological factors through individualized, lifespan-oriented approaches.
Rehabilitation of Chronic Smokers: A Comprehensive, Multifaceted Approach Integrating Behavioural, Pharmacologic, and Harm Reduction Strategies
Tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite extensive public health campaigns and available cessation methods, a significant proportion of smokers remain resistant to quitting. This paper explores a comprehensive approach to the rehabilitation of chronic smokers, incorporating behavioral interventions, pharmacological therapies, and harm reduction strategies. Comparative models from Sweden, Japan, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand are reviewed to highlight effective national frameworks. The importance of personalized treatment plans, combined approaches, and the role of novel nicotine delivery systems is discussed in the context of reducing global tobacco-related harm.