This will be a workshop to be held on 11/10/23, hosted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). This event will be funded by N-CODE - an EPSRC funded network plus focused on the development of technologies that shift the emphasis of diagnosis and management of neurological, neuropsychiatric or neurodevelopmental conditions from hospital environments to the community. The workshop will be attended by most of the active researchers in FND in the UK.

The workshop is designed to foster a creative and inclusive environment where people with functional neurological disorders, healthcare professionals, researchers, technologists, and other relevant experts can work together to design and refine digital tools that support self-management, address the treatment gap, and improve the quality of life for those affected by functional neurological disorders (FNDs).

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a prevalent multinetwork condition with various clinical manifestations, including motor, sensory and cognitive disturbances. It is often the most common cause of neurology inpatient admissions and outpatient referrals and has an incidence similar to conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease; but presents unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Its economic impact is profound, affecting patients, healthcare systems, and the broader economy. Despite its widespread occurrence and substantial healthcare costs, FND remains stigmatized and often misunderstood, further complicating access to specialized care.

Addressing FND's complexities necessitates innovative solutions, such as the integration of digital health tools. These tools offer promising avenues for patient education, symptom monitoring, personalized therapeutic interventions, and reducing barriers to specialist care. Remote technologies enable real-time tracking of symptoms and treatment effectiveness, fostering dynamic patient-provider interaction. Furthermore, digital platforms can facilitate comprehensive, multidisciplinary care, addressing FND's neurological, psychological, and social aspects.

In light of this, the upcoming workshop, "Co-creation of Digital technologies for the management of Functional Neurological Disorders in the community" aims to bring together individuals with FND, healthcare professionals, researchers, technologists, and other experts. This collaborative environment will promote the design and refinement of digital tools for improved diagnosis, symptom monitoring, self-management, and overall quality of life for those affected by FND.

Co-creation of digital health technologies for FND management