The British Pain Society is delighted to invite submissions for parallel sessions/workshops at the 58th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) from 3-5 June 2025 in Wales.
Submission Deadline: 18 November 2024 23:59 (GMT)
These guidelines have been generated to guide you through the submission process.
This event serves as a platform for healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and students to come together and share insights, recent practices, research developments, and innovations in the field of pain. We particularly welcome submissions that demonstrate how pain research can effectively influence and enhance practice at all levels. We also encourage diverse and creative proposals that explore advancements across biological, behavioural, social, and interdisciplinary approaches relevant to our understanding of pain and pain management.
We are also keen for these sessions to enable discussions and potential collaborations that will contribute to the ongoing progress in providing effective care and support for individuals experiencing pain. As such our ASM is in-person event, and by making a submission you understand that all speakers are aware that they will be expected to present in person.
Should you require any further assistance please contact the Scientific Programme coordinator directly via: mrodic@kenes.com
1. Examples of types of submissions
All examples will be based on good scientific research/evidence.
a. Symposium
Symposiums offer a platform for in-depth exploration of specific topics in pain and pain management through a series of expert, state-of-the-art, presentations. These sessions aim to present cutting edge research findings and methods, highlight current challenges and opportunities. They will enable attendees to consider practical applications in their work. Session can also include interaction and discussion.
Duration: 80 minutes
Format: Presentations by experts, with time for audience discussion
Facilitation: Each expert presents their topic, addressing the question or topic directly. Presentations should be concise (15-20 minutes) to allow for sufficient discussion time. After the presentations, the chair facilitates an interactive discussion among presenters and attendees. The facilitator may guide the discussion towards addressing current challenges and opportunities in pain management, ensuring the conversation remains focused and productive.
b. Workshops
Workshops are more interactive, often revolving around a practical issue relevant to pain. They bring a panel of presenters together, with the aim of fostering skill development and knowledge sharing. Workshops engage participants actively and can cover a variety of topics relevant to our understanding of pain and pain management.
Duration: 80 minutes
Format: Interactive workshops with a practical focus, aimed at skill development and knowledge sharing
Facilitation: Presenters share their insights related to the topic, each giving a concise presentation (approximately 10-15 minutes) that highlights key concepts, research findings, and/or practical applications. The facilitator leads interactive activities, such as small group discussions, hands-on exercises, or case studies, to engage participants actively.
c. Round Table Discussion
Roundtable discussions provide an interactive setting for participants to share insights and experiences on key topics in pain management. Led by one or two facilitators, these sessions encourage open dialogue and collaboration among attendees, fostering a rich exchange of ideas. By highlighting current challenges and opportunities, roundtables allow participants to engage with diverse perspectives and collectively explore solutions in a supportive environment.
Duration: 80 minutes
Format: Short introduction followed by group discussion
Facilitation: One or two individuals will take responsibility for leading a brief introduction (15-20 minutes) that sets the context for the discussion, outlining key findings, current challenges, or opportunities in the field to stimulate conversation. A facilitator will then guide a discussion around the room, encouraging as many participants as possible to share their insights and experiences.
d. Open Format Workshop
We invite you to suggest a new structure for a workshop that isn’t covered by the existing formats.
2. Important notes for all submissions
- We welcome submissions that include early career clinical/health professionals and researchers, and/or incorporate lived experience perspectives.
- We welcome submissions that reflect the multidisciplinary nature of pain and pain management.
- Speakers should generally not be from a single clinical or academic unit to ensure diverse perspectives.
- Proposals should be grounded on good scientific evidence:
- If submitting a proposal including basic science, please identify its potential clinical relevance.
- If focusing on clinical practice, ensure that the underlying research is clear and evidence-based.
- Proposals demonstrating translational perspectives from bench to bedside are welcome
- Examples of co-production (https://www.scie.org.uk/co-production/what-how/) and translational research are welcome.
3. Submission Requirements
Complete the online form by Monday, 18th November 2024 at 23:59 GMT. Please see details below of what is required.
Information needed:
- Organizer Contact Details:
Name, Email, Country, City, Affiliation
- Session Title:
A short, specific title that clearly indicates the nature of the session (no abbreviations).
- Session Type:
Workshop, Symposium, or Round Table Discussion
- Theme:
Specify the theme of the session. See Appendix 1 for list of themes
- Summary:
A brief description of the session. If accepted, this text will be used for promotional purposes (no more than 300 words).
- Presentation Titles and Descriptions:
Include titles and brief descriptions for each speaker (no more than 100 words).
- Intended Audience and Audience Interaction Methods:
Define the target audience and how you plan to engage them.
- Learning Outcomes:
List three clear learning outcomes for attendees.
- Session Chair and Co-Chair Details:
Name, Email, Country, City, Affiliation
- Speaker Details:
For each speaker: Name, Email, Country, City, Affiliation
- Relevance:
Explain why this is the right time for the work to be presented and what challenge or advancement in the field this session addresses.
- Speaker selection:
Justify why the selected speakers are the most appropriate for this topic.
4. Session Guidelines
- Number of Speakers:
This depends on the session but we recommend a minimum of 2 speakers and a chair for a round table and 3 speakers and a chair for workshop or symposium. The session organiser may also serve as a speaker or chair.
- Session Duration:
Each parallel session is 80 minutes long.
- Financial Support:
Details to follow
- Registration:
Organizers are entitled to complimentary daily registration for the day of their session. Discounts apply if the organizer wishes to attend the entire meeting.
- Proposal Considerations:
Proposals will be considered for inclusion in the BPS ASM programme and may be subject to changes in speakers or titles. Based on the submissions received, the Scientific Programme Committee may request changes to proposed speakers or session titles.
- Submission Quality:
Poorly completed forms or those missing required information will be automatically rejected.
- Evidence-Based Sessions:
Ensure that proposed sessions are based on scientific or other academic literature.
- Communication with Speakers:
Organizers should approach speakers and chairs with the understanding that the proposal is only being considered for inclusion in the programme at this stage. If accepted, organizers will relay confirmed scheduling information to the speakers.
- Speaker Invitations:
Organizers are responsible for formally inviting speakers if the proposal is accepted.
Should you require any further assistance please contact the Scientific Programme coordinator directly via: mrodic@kenes.com
Appendix 1: Themes
- Acute Pain
- Assessment & Measurement
- Audit and Service Evaluation
- Basic Science
- Cancer Related Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Education
- Epidemiology
- Evidence Based Guidelines
- Interventional Pain Management
- Neuropathic Pain
- Non-Pharmacological Pain Management
- Older People
- Other (Research)
- Paediatric
- Pain and Gender
- Pain Registries
- Pain in Women
- Primary Care
- Psychology
- Reviews
- Service Management
- Societal impact of pain
- Other