The 13th biennial Incontinence: The Engineering Challenge conference aims to inform, encourage and inspire those keen to improve technology for diagnosing, treating, or managing urinary or faecal incontinence.
Previous iterations have been highly multidisciplinary, with delegates typically comprising ~50% research and development colleagues in industry; ~15% clinicians; ~15% academic researchers; ~10% colleagues from government and not-for-profit organisations; and ~10% people who live with incontinence. A diverse range of speakers and attendees has given rise to rich and stimulating discussion, collaboration across sectors and ultimately improvements for those using continence products and caregivers.
This year, the conference programme will be themed sessions of presentations, posters, workshops and a product user panel. View the two-day programme online at https://www.imeche.org/incontinence
**Themed sessions will include topics such as: **
Incontinence technology in low resource settings
The aim of this session is to discuss the specific challenges for continence management that communities in low resource settings face. Often, such challenges are influenced by gaps in service delivery, economics, climate, and cultural aspects amongst others.
This informative session will include presentations from WHO, UNICEF, and in-country partner representatives - that will look to discuss current projects implementing and evaluating continence technologies in Eastern Europe, South Asia and the Pacific. UNICEF will describe their role in design and innovation of continence technologies. This session will include a live Q&A session involving people from those local projects in India, Papua New Guinea and Romania. In order to encourage international attendance, the session is being held early in the day (BST) to enable people from different time zones to more easily attend.
Apps for Continence
There are many examples of continence apps available, and many are currently being developed, this session will include presentations from groups active in this area, and an open discussion on the pros and cons of these apps. The discussion will be brought into focus by a keynote lecture from Lauren Harkins, Senior Programme Lead - DTAC and Digital Health, NHSX.
Posters and Flash Presentations
Selected abstract submissions will be presented their work in a poster format which will be accessible to delegates online throughout the conference. The programme will also include short Flash Presentations summarising current research projects. Authors will be available for questions throughout the conference in virtual booths and networking lounges.
Product user panel
A panel of product users will share their experiences of managing bladder and bowel incontinence using a range of products. They will share their stories, challenges, and priorities in product design and usability. This session is an opportunity for delegates to ask questions to really understand what people need from products, where they fall short and how they can be improved. This year, an online format offers a unique opportunity to broaden this discussion by including end users from outside of the UK.
Workshops
Workshops will take place on the end of day one. Further information to be announced.
Networking
Opportunities to network will be available throughout the day in various online formats including networking lounges, 1-2-1 chat function, poster sessions, and workshops.
After the conference
Conference sessions will be recorded and, as a delegate, you will gain have free access to the recordings via the IMechE YouTube post-event.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ENDS 24 SEPTEMBER 2021
Booking multiple tickets (group discounts available) or on behalf of someone else? Email us eventenquiries@imeche.org