How to set up a functional neurological disorder education group

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Patient Education

Background:

• Functional neurological disorder (FND) presents diagnostic and explanatory challenges for clinicians.
• Patients with FND often lack the postdiagnostic support available for other chronic neurological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share experiences and provide a guide for establishing FND education groups.
• To outline effective content, delivery methods, and potential challenges in running these groups.

Main Methods:

• Describing the setup and implementation of a multidisciplinary FND education group.
• Incorporating practical aspects and strategies to avoid common pitfalls.

Main Results:

• Group education sessions enhance patient and caregiver understanding of FND.
• These sessions can effectively reduce stigma associated with the diagnosis.
• Participants receive valuable self-management advice.

Conclusions:

• Multidisciplinary FND education groups are a beneficial model for patient support.
• Involving service users in group delivery is recommended.
• Such groups improve the overall care and management of functional neurological disorder.