The first-ever IMPROVA Knowledgebase Forum took place on 13 September 2024, during the IRCOBI conference in Stockholm. The event marked a significant step forward in addressing road traffic accidents’ long-term consequences (LTC).

Over 50 participants attended in person, and 17 joined online. The forum brought together experts, researchers, and stakeholders from diverse fields. It underscored IMPROVA’s mission to enhance understanding and innovation in LTC research through collaborative dialogue and knowledge-sharing.

The forum featured a series of impactful presentations, including:

  • Simona Roka, from IDIADA and IMPROVA’s Project Coordinator, outlined the project’s vision and achievements in its early stages, highlighting its relevance in the broader context of road safety.
  • Helena Stigson, representing Folksam, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on accident data from Sweden and its relationship with permanent medical impairment (PMI). Her research underscored the need for improved methodologies in assessing accident outcomes.
  • Jacques Saadé from CEESAR delved into the methodologies underpinning Work-package 2 of IMPROVA. He shared insights on predicting LTC using field data and provided updates on an extensive literature review in progress.
  • Marcus Wisch, from the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt), introduced innovative techniques for gathering psychological and medical data following accidents, paving the way for more comprehensive LTC assessments.
  • David Hynd, representing TRL, moderated an engaging audience discussion, fostering valuable insights into the future of LTC research.

Part of the IMPROVA Consortium during the first Knowledgebase Forum in IRCOBI 2024 (Stockholm)

The Role of the LTC Knowledgebase Forum

The LTC Knowledgebase Forum is a platform for bridging gaps between experts, healthcare professionals, and survivors to explore the complexities of the long-term consequences of road accidents. Central to this effort is IMPROVA’s commitment to harmonising technical terminology, integrating diverse datasets, updating LTC scales, and developing a unique formula for predicting LTC probabilities with greater accuracy than ever before.

This inaugural event has set the stage for ongoing collaboration and innovation, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based approaches in tackling the lasting impact of road traffic accidents.

As the first step in building a comprehensive knowledgebase, the forum has positioned IMPROVA as a key player in advancing LTC research and fostering partnerships to address these critical challenges.

If you want to keep up with the project and be updated about the next Knowledgebase forum, you can subscribe to the IMPROVA newsletter.

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