Welcome to the WCN 2021 Interactive Program

The congress will officially run on Central European Time (CET) - Rome Time 
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    Please note that all sessions will run at their scheduled time and be followed by a LIVE Q&A/Discussion at the end

     The viewing of sessions, cannot be accessed from this conference calendar. All sessions are accessible via the Virtual Platform

Displaying One Session

Scientific Session: T (Topics)
Session Time
17:10 - 18:40
Room
Topic B
Chair(s)
  • David J. Oliver (United Kingdom)
Scientific Session: T (Topics)

COPING WITH DETERIORATION OVER YEARS - MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Session Type
Scientific Session: T (Topics)
Date
07.10.2021, Thursday
Session Time
17:10 - 18:40
Room
Topic B
Lecture Time
17:10 - 17:33
Presenter
  • Mark Wing Loong Cheong (Malaysia)

Abstract

Abstract Body

Multiple sclerosis presents with a wide range of physical, mental and psychiatric symptoms. It is also a major cause of disability globally. Studies have demonstrated that patients living with MS often experience physical, mental, social, and spiritual suffering which significantly impacts their health and quality of life. Palliative care can help provide patients with relief from suffering by reducing pain and discomfort, providing emotional support, improving functional ability and quality of life, as well as addressing end-of-life and legacy issues. It is often unclear to physicians, and patients what elements of palliative care should be provided and when. One reason for this is the uncertainty that surrounds the progression of the disease, the wide range of symptoms, and the prognosis of the patient. As a result, patients are often poorly prepared to cope with the impact of new symptoms, disabilities, or loss of function. While little can be done about the uncertainty of MS, the adoption of a care model where palliative care is introduced early and provided alongside neurological care can help patients cope with the suffering experienced with MS. Specific triggers to intensify palliative care can be arranged while EDSS milestones can be used to revise the palliative care plan. Early introduction of palliative care can also allow physicians to gain a better sense of the patient's priorities and care preferences, which is important for the development of a care plan that allows them to achieve their goals, reduce suffering, and improve quality of life over the years.

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Scientific Session: T (Topics)

COPING WITH DETERIORATION OVER MONTHS – GLIOMA

Session Type
Scientific Session: T (Topics)
Date
07.10.2021, Thursday
Session Time
17:10 - 18:40
Room
Topic B
Lecture Time
17:33 - 17:56
Presenter
  • Andrea Pace (Italy)

Abstract

Abstract Body

Considering the short life expectancy of malignant glioma patients and their care needs throughout the disease trajectory, coping strategies should be considered a key component in the management of Brain Tumor patients.

Patients’ coping styles have an important influence in critical aspects of care such as communication of diagnosis and prognosis, discussion with patients and their caregivers about goal of treatments, early introduction of palliative care and advanced planning of patients’ preferences concerning end of life treatment and issues.

Understanding the coping style along the disease trajectory may help clinicians to personalize communication strategies, to promote adherence to treatment, to assess the time of transition to terminal care and to prepare in advance a shared end of life decision making process.

Available data show that, despite the aggressiveness of the disease and the poor prognosis, at diagnosis and during the first line treatment, most of BT patients are able to display functional coping strategies such as combative spirit which favors active participation and adherence to treatment; also, cognitive avoidance coping style preserves the individual from excessive exposure to distress. According to recent studies in advanced cancer, coping style adopted may strongly influence patients’ prognostic awareness and patients’ availability to participate to prognosis discussions. This data are in line with previous literature on other cancer patients, demonstrating that coping style is not a persistent dimension of personality, but can change depending on the situation.

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Scientific Session: T (Topics)

COPING WITH UNCERTAINTY OF DETERIORATION-STROKE

Session Type
Scientific Session: T (Topics)
Date
07.10.2021, Thursday
Session Time
17:10 - 18:40
Room
Topic B
Lecture Time
17:56 - 18:19
Presenter
  • Roop Gursahani (India)

Abstract

Abstract Body

For stroke survivors and their caregivers, illness uncertainty comprises four interrelated aspects. (1) Unpredictability of illness course; (2) Lack of information; (3) Perceived complexities of information, treatment and the relationship with healthcare system/providers; (4) Ambiguity about the illness state itself. This is derived from Mishel’s theory of uncertainly in illness. Uncertainty can produce anxiety and depression, worsen stress, impair coping and contribute to poor health outcomes. Increasing levels of uncertainty in caregivers are associated with older age, spousal relationship with the patient and comorbidities.

Much of this uncertainty can be addressed by adequate prognostication. For stroke this would mean prediction of further deterioration, estimates of functional recovery, long term rehabilitation needs, possible dependence and likely survival duration. Literature is available on much of this, including online prediction tools. Communication skills are needed to deliver this information with hope, optimism and reasonable accuracy and healthcare providers often fall short on both foreseeing and foretelling. Role play, simulation based mastery learning and checklists can help address this gap.

Conclusion: Uncertainty needs to be recognized and quantitated. It can then be addressed with appropriate prognostic communication and targeted behavioral interventions that enhance coping capacity and help evolve adaptive strategies.

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Scientific Session: T (Topics)

LIVE Q&A

Session Type
Scientific Session: T (Topics)
Date
07.10.2021, Thursday
Session Time
17:10 - 18:40
Room
Topic B
Lecture Time
18:19 - 18:40