K003 The EHDN & MDS Huntington’s Disease fellowship exchange programme: evaluation of impact
Year: 2024
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Background The clinical fellowship programme in Huntington’s disease (HD) was initiated by the EHDN in 2013 and, from 2017, co-sponsored by the European section of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. The key aims of this unique programme are to (1) strengthen clinical care, (2) motivate and facilitate the training of young professionals, and (3) help establish contacts and opportunities for future collaboration. Aims The Fellowship Impact Project (FIP) was developed in 2023 to evaluate the impact of the programme in meeting its objectives, identify potential gaps/issues in its provision, and make data-driven recommendations for improvement. Methods Data were collected from three groups (past fellows, hosts, and the EHDN organisational support team) through surveys, one-to-one interviews, phone, email, and direct discussions. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis. Results A large proportion of past fellows were highly satisfied with what they had learnt from the programme, the opportunities provided for collaboration, and the impact of the programme on improving their HD practice and care in their home country. Hosts appreciated the motivation and enthusiasm of fellows. The EHDN organisational support team provided new insights into the successes and challenges of programme organisation, placement of the fellows, and administration. Several recommendations were made for improvement of the programme. Conclusion The FIP confirmed the success of the fellowship programme in providing opportunities for fellows to learn about multidisciplinary HD clinics and improve their clinical knowledge and care. The recommendations received are under evaluation.
Authors: Fionnuala Margreiter, Catherine Deeprose, Asunción Martínez, Juliana Bronzova, on behalf of the EHDN Think Tank and EHDN Central Coordination
Institution: European Huntington's Disease Network
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4402373709