[Date TBC] Prechtl General Movement Assessment (GMA) Basic Training - HSCP Funded
Applications for this HSCP funded course will open later in 2026.
| Venue | TBC |
| City | Dublin |
| County | Dublin |
| Contact Hours | 21 |
| Event Type | Expression Of Interest |
| Specialities | Pediatrics |
| Presenter Details | GM Trust |
| Refreshments Included | No |
| Free Event | No |
| Contact Person | David Kennedy |
| Contact Email | professionaldevelopment@iscp.ie |
| Total Event Cost | 20.00 |
| Date | 1 Jan 2026 15:24 - 1 Jan 2027 15:24 |
| Pricing | |
| HSE Staff | €20.00 |
| HSE Staff | €20.00 |
Prechtl General Movement Assessment (GMA) Basic Training - HSCP Funded
Venue: TBC
Dates: October 2026 (TBC)
Format: 3 consecutive days, in-person
Cost: €20
EOI to open: August 2026
Participant allocation:
This is a multidisciplinary event organised by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) and Association of Occupational Therapists in Ireland (AOTI). The course has been funded by the HSCP Office, HSE.
As such, places are available to physiotherapists in the publicly funded healthcare service only.
Background:
Early identification of neurological impairment is critical to optimising developmental outcomes for infants at risk of cerebral palsy and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The Prechtl General Movement Assessment (GMA) is an internationally recognised, evidence‑based tool for assessing the integrity of the developing nervous system in early infancy. Access to structured GMA training within Ireland remains limited for physiotherapists and occupational therapists working collaboratively across neonatal and early intervention services.
The programme equips clinicians with essential theoretical and practical skills to observe, analyse and interpret general movements, supporting timely referral, intervention planning and family‑centred care. Delivering this internationally accredited training within Ireland builds local interdisciplinary capacity, reduces reliance on overseas courses and supports equitable access to specialist professional development aligned with national priorities for early intervention and integrated child health services.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the typical development and characteristics of General Movements (GMs) in preterm, writhing and fidgety periods of infancy.
-
Explain the clinical significance of General Movement Assessment and its predictive value for neurological impairment, including cerebral palsy.
-
Identify normal and abnormal general movement patterns using standardised categorical scoring.
-
Recognise key abnormal features of GMs, including poor repertoire, cramped‑synchronised and chaotic movements.
-
Apply principles of Prechtl GMA to the structured observation and neurological assessment of infants using video‑based analysis.
-
Integrate GMA findings into clinical reasoning, referral pathways and early intervention planning within interdisciplinary care models.
-
Demonstrate improved reliability and confidence in observing, analysing and documenting General Movements in line with international standards.
Important Information:
HSCP-funded CPD opportunities are available to all HSE-funded Health and Social Care Professionals, regardless of professional body membership. Offers are subject to caseload and service needs.
Data Protection:
ISCP securely stores data on encrypted devices and does not share information with third parties.
