International perspectives on care management

This session was dedicated to sharing ideas and progress into care management from across the world. As you may already know, thoughts and attitudes towards care varies from country to country due to political and cultural differences. Both Kevin and Chris found that every talk given in this session gave something new to think about. Although there are differences internationally, there are also similarities that link and overlap demonstrating that we are on the right path to manage care effectively.

Kevin and Chris found this session enjoyable and the room was packed with delegates eager to hear the session! What stood out for them was a talk given by Dr Goldman where he spoke about a training session that he has set up in Switzerland for people with MND, caregivers and health and social care professionals to provide them with hands on practical advice for caring. After the training was complete most people involved stated that they had an increased knowledge of care giving which now provides food for thought for many delegates.

Whilst I was speaking with Kevin and Chris about the sessions that they attended, we were unexpectedly joined by Dee Norris, advisory director of the Forbes Norris Foundation in America who lent us her thoughts. She commented that on a number of occasions people with MND have told her that “nobody is doing anything” but wanted to reassure people that there are a lot of people doing a lot of things. Researchers, clinicians and health and social care professionals are working on improving quality of life by many means. It is only by coming together at the symposium and sharing information that we will drive research and knowledge forwards.