World Federation of Neurology Needs Registry Survey 2021

The WFN Needs Registry survey was developed and conducted over two and a half years commencing in 2020 to investigate the accessibility and affordability of neurological services and therapeutics and the most urgent needs.

An experienced neurologist responded in each of 118 societies to an online electronic survey comprising 13 questions. General data sought comprised the respondent's training, place of practice, duration in practice, number of neurologists in the society, health care system and types of neurological practice available. Specific data collected comprised neurological facilities, specialist services available, resources, therapeutics accessibility, challenges and three most urgent needs.

Responding neurologists spent a median of 26 years in practice and represented a median of 225 neurologists per society. Of 13 classes of neuromedicines deemed readily available to 70% of the population, 41 societies listed ≥1 and 14 societies ≥3 unavailable. The three most frequent unavailable neuromedicines were second level AEDs, Dopamine agonists and MS DMTs. Of 14 neurological services, 15 societies had all services accessible and affordable, 13 had none and 72 had ≥1 services either inaccessible or unaffordable. EEG, Epilepsy, Headache and EMG services were most available; Neurogenetics, Neuropsychology, Neurorehabilitation and Neurodevelopmental services were least available. Of 13 specified challenges, lack of subspecialists and specialty centers were both identified by 61% of societies followed by costs of neurological care, neuromedicines availability and stigma. Ten societies had no challenges.

A unique insight into the inequities of neurological care globally and a potential tool to assist their remedy.