New ACRM Networking Group Forming for Spatial Neglect Care

The new Spatial Neglect Care Networking Group aims to create a multi-professional community of clinicians and researchers who share the same goal, which is to improve rehabilitation care and long-term person-centered outcomes in individuals with spatial neglect. We plan to raise the awareness of spatial neglect among all stakeholders, not limited to individuals with spatial neglect, their family members, clinicians, and researchers, but also care provider management, insurance providers, and policy makers.

MISSION

To improve rehabilitation care and long-term person-centered outcomes in individuals with spatial neglect

VISION

Spatial neglect is common in stroke survivors, and it can also occur after traumatic brain injury and other types of acquired brain injuries, including tumors. This is because spatial neglect is caused by damage to neural networks critical for spatial processing and attention orientation. Spatial neglect is known for its visual symptoms, and it also includes many non-visual symptoms that can be disabling as well. The complexity of spatial neglect leads to impairments and abnormalities in multiple cognitive and motor functions, making it challenging to diagnose and treat. The syndrome of spatial neglect also includes anosognosia (self-awareness deficits), which affects the planning and efficiency of rehabilitation care services.

There is currently no existing group in ACRM that we are aware of that covers all the different aspects of spatial neglect rehabilitation, including screening, assessment, interventions, fall prevention measures, long-term management, and caregiver education. Additionally, no group is addressing multiple diagnostic groups (stroke, TBI, brain tumor, etc.) that can be impacted by spatial neglect, nor is a group led by the top spatial neglect research in the field. The proposed Forming Group understands how to address challenges faced by clinicians related to spatial neglect care and the research projects that need to occur to advance the science. This is why we propose to form a group for spatial neglect.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

2025 GOALS

• Share the latest research-generated information related to spatial neglect, e.g., through informal meetings or formal journal clubs
• Facilitate knowledge translation from latest research-generated information to clinical practice via conference presentations (including posters, symposia, and workshops), peer-reviewed publications, etc.
• Encourage new ideas to advance rehabilitation sciences regarding spatial neglect assessment, treatment, management, and long-term outcome and facilitate collaborative research projects with group members
• Promote new strategies to engage stakeholders, such as development of IEPs

JOIN US!

We are excited about the opportunity to bring new members to ACRM and expand the presence of spatial neglect care researchers within ACRM. If you would like to make a positive contribution to ACRM in 2025, consider supporting and joining the ACRM Spatial Neglect Care Networking Group.

To opt-in to communications from ACRM and the organizers of this group regarding upcoming meetings, projects and other opportunities to participate, please click the “Join Now” button and follow the instructions below.

1. Select “Join ACRM”
2. Click on the membership category of your choice. (Free 6-month introductory membership option available)
3. Create your member log-in
4. Go to the “Community” page
5. Select the “New Forming Spatial Neglect Care Networking Group”
6. Click “Follow Community”
7. You will now receive all communications from the Spatial Neglect Care Networking Group

Should you have any questions about opting into this new group, please contact Terri Compos or  Lori Westfall.