How to Improve Care for Individuals with Spatial Neglect

How to Improve Care for Individuals with Spatial NeglectDESCRIPTION Spatial neglect is a neurological disorder that occurs more frequently with right brain damage than left brain damage after stroke, according to studies in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings. It is also common after TBI in rehabilitation hospitals. Despite the high prevalence, patients with spatial neglect do not always receive care specific to the disorder. For more than 4 decades, independent research groups around the

DESCRIPTION
Spatial neglect is a neurological disorder that occurs more frequently with right brain damage than left brain damage after stroke, according to studies in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings. It is also common after TBI in rehabilitation hospitals. Despite the high prevalence, patients with spatial neglect do not always receive care specific to the disorder. For more than 4 decades, independent research groups around the world have been presenting evidence of spatial neglect’s negative impact on rehabilitation progress and functional recovery. However, there is a significant gap in knowledge implementation from research to clinical practice. This 2-part webinar series is an effort to narrow the gap.

The presenter, Peii Chen, PhD, will provide an updated overview on the current understanding of spatial neglect. Mechanisms, symptom presentations, deficit consequences, assessment selection and treatment principles will be discussed. Dr. Chen will clarify what is spatial neglect and what is not spatial neglect, what is the reason for the wide variety of symptom presentations, and how spatial neglect impacts on functional outcomes and family caregiver burden. Evidence-based treatments will be introduced. Research-informed practice suggestions will be offered. All rehabilitation specialists will find updated, useful information that helps them provide care to patients with acquired brain injury.

It is recommended that learners attend both sessions due to the comprehensive nature of the content:
Part I, How to Improve Care for Individuals with Spatial Neglect, will specify important steps to improve spatial neglect care. The steps include naming the disorder consistently, recognizing the complexity of the disorder, screening all neurological patients and seeking resources to offer evidence-based treatment.

Part II, Assessment and Treatment of Spatial Neglect, will introduce the most up to date different assessment types and treatment approaches. Two clinical tools, KF-NAP® and KF-PAT®, will be introduced as well. KF-NAP is an assessment procedure that detects and measures spatial neglect in daily situations. KF-PAT is a standardized protocol for delivering prism adaptation treatment.

INSTRUCTORS (click on the name below to read faculty bio)
Peii Chen, PhD

LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:  

1. Describe the difference between visual field cut and visual symptoms of spatial neglect
2. Identify at least 3 non-visual symptoms of spatial neglect
3. Define the prevalence of left-sided neglect vs right-sided neglect
4. Select assessment tools and specific treatment approaches appropriate for your practice setting for individual patients

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will watch the on-demand recording in its entirety and complete an assessment and feedback module in the Academy Learning Portal. You will have three months from the date of purchase to complete and review the course material. You will receive a reminder email two weeks before the expiration date.

AUDIENCE
Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Speech-Language Pathologists

CONTINUING EDUCATION
Occupational Therapists: 

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID #7703. This distance learning independent webinar is offered at 1.5 contact hours, 0.15 CEUs [intermediate level, foundational knowledge/OT service delivery]. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

Physical Therapists: This online course has been approved by the Illinois Physical Therapy Board for 1.5 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 1.5 Contact Hours on 10/22/2025.

Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.

Speech-Language Pathologists: 
Disclosures: 
Course Directors and Planning Committee Members:
Julie Lenkiewicz, MS, CCC-SLP Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Kolski, PT, OCS, Dip MDT Has nothing to disclose.
Leslie Marriott, OTR/L Has nothing to disclose.
Selah Bustamante, MSN, RN, CRRN Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Legreid, MSN, RN, CRRN, NPD-BC Has nothing to disclose.
Speakers, Moderators and Panelists:
Peii Chen, PhD Has nothing to disclose.

ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.