Hopkins Centre clinician researchers showcase rehabilitation research at RMSANZ 2026

Two clinician researchers from The Hopkins Centre recently shared their research at the Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (RMSANZ) 9th Annual Scientific Meeting in Darwin, highlighting innovative approaches to improving rehabilitation outcomes for people living with complex health conditions.

Held from 19–22 July 2026, the conference brought together rehabilitation physicians, clinicians and researchers from across Australia and New Zealand to share the latest evidence and innovations in rehabilitation medicine.

Dr Nick Aitcheson, Director of the Metro South Pain Rehabilitation Centre and researcher with The Hopkins Centre, presented a poster showcasing findings from the ENGAGE Seed Grant project, which explored how interdisciplinary pain management programs can become more person-centred.

The qualitative research identified practical factors that can significantly influence a person's ability to engage in pain rehabilitation. While many of the findings may seem intuitive, the research provides valuable evidence to support changes that improve access and participation. These include considerations such as accessible parking, allowing sufficient travel time, and ensuring people can comfortably sit or stand for the duration of a program. The study also highlighted broader challenges faced once people return to their communities, including maintaining participation in meaningful activities and accessing ongoing support beyond the clinical setting.

"The research reinforces that effective pain management extends beyond the clinic," Dr Aitcheson said. "Addressing the practical barriers people experience in everyday life is an important part of delivering truly person-centred care."

The findings have implications not only for people living with persistent pain, but for Australians living with disability more broadly, highlighting the importance of accessible environments and services that support participation in everyday life.

Building on this commitment to improving access to pain care, Dr Aitcheson is also preparing to take part in Pain Revolution's annual rural outreach ride in October. During the week-long, 800-kilometre cycling event through rural northern New South Wales, he will help deliver community education sessions while raising funds to provide two-year scholarships for local health professionals to become pain educators. The initiative aims to strengthen local expertise and improve access to evidence-based pain management in rural and remote communities. Scan the QR code to learn more about the Pain Revolution Tour.

   

Also presenting at the conference was Dr Evgeniya Zakharova-Luneva, who presented findings from her Seed Grant 2024 project at RMSANZ 2026 through both an oral presentation, "Surgical and rehabilitation outcomes of flap surgery for pressure injuries in people with spinal cord injury/disorder," and a poster, 'Lived and clinician perspectives on recovery after flap surgery in spinal cord injury/disorder'. Presenting at RMSANZ 2026 was a fantastic opportunity to showcase this work, share ideas with colleagues from across Australia and New Zealand, and strengthen connections within the rehabilitation community. A strong focus of the conference was improving health and rehabilitation outcomes for First Nations peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds, with an emphasis on culturally responsive and innovative models of care. These concepts are important to consider when developing models of care across a range of rehabilitation settings, including for people with spinal cord injury/disorder undergoing flap surgery.   

Together, these presentations reflect The Hopkins Centre's commitment to translating research into practical improvements in rehabilitation. By addressing challenges ranging from person-centred pain management to improving surgical outcomes for people with spinal cord injury, the Centre's researchers continue to generate evidence that informs clinical practice and improves quality of life.

Congratulations to Dr Aitcheson and Dr Zakharova-Luneva on representing The Hopkins Centre and sharing their research with rehabilitation colleagues from across Australia and New Zealand at RMSANZ 2026.