The interview
Eleonora Neroni, Italy
What is your profession?
I’m a paediatric and neonatal physiotherapist
How is the rehabilitation treatment of spine diseases managed in your country?
In Italy, we are lucky enough to have a good public health service that usually takes care of spine diseases promptly The specialised interdisciplinary team usually takes care of all the aspects related to the primary diagnosis. In case the Team is not enough expert usually there is large space for collaboration between different teams and settings.
Scoliosis: how is it treated?
In Italy the primary scoliosis referent for conservative treatment is ISICO and usually, a good practice is to collaborate with and between ISICO professionals. The conservative treatment is well known to be effective, and despite the different approaches (not always in line with the latest research), it is well considered an effective option.
What aspects of actual clinical practice would you like to see improved in your country?
As a physiotherapist, who has some years of international experience, I feel not well represented as a professional in our country. The loss of trust drives patients and parents to seek alternative (but not evidence-based) treatments and approaches. My hope for the future is the growth of a strong and competent physiotherapist's professional reputation.
What do you believe you can learn from this course, and how can you use the new concepts in your regular clinical work?
I’m always kept updated, and I think this is one of the most effective ways to grow as a professional, to be confident and to build trust. This course is challenging me to develop my skills further, share new knowledge, and share with colleagues around the world.
How is the rehabilitation treatment of spine diseases managed in Abu Dhabi, your country of work, and how is scoliosis treated there?
My experience in Abu Dhabi is mainly in the pediatric and neonate populations. I usually follow severe conditions, like cerebral palsy or genetic syndromes. However, the scoliosis approach depends on the team's professional experience, background, and insurance. This could be just a “wait-and-see approach", surgery in case the patient is covered by insurance, ranging from a spine surgeon to non-specific physiotherapy.
How did you come to know ISICO?
I have known ISICO for years, following different specialistic groups like GSS (Specialistic Study Group of Spine and Scoliosis) and I’ve decided to dive deeply into Scoliosis Conservative Treatment because I felt the need to cover a professional gap. ISICO is the perfect place and group to be in.
What makes the scoliosis online course offered by ISICO different from other education courses?
The international evidence-based approach and the open mindset make ISICO the perfect place to share knowledge and experience and to practice thinking outside the box.
Write some lines about your visit to the ISICO clinic in Milano.
I had the chance to spend time at the ISICO clinic in Milan, and I have to say it’s the best environment in which a healthcare professional would work. The family-centred and personalised approach gives the patients and the parents the feeling of being considered, and the trust created is the foundation for a better result.
