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1st May, 2024

Medically Unexplained Symptoms
Breaking the cycle of tests and referrals: a multidisciplinary conference

Wednesday 1st May 2024, Royal Foundation of St Katherine (RFSK), London.
 

Management of people with chronic medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) and somatic disorders is challenging for all stakeholders. This remains a largely ignored and under-researched topic despite the large number of affected individuals and wasted resources. Healthcare professionals feel frustrated whilst patients feel lost/overlooked/forgotten in the health system. Without a clear diagnosis, sufferers often find themselves in a cycle of tests, referrals, and unsuccessful treatments without achieving resolution of their problems. We wish to change this.

 

This multidisciplinary 1-day educational conference developed in conjunction with senior members of the RSM GP Section and the Forgotten Patients, Overlooked Diseases charity (FPOD) will explore the topic and seek potential solutions.

 

We are seeking your interest to participate as delegates, potential speakers, and sponsor organisations. Registration will be available shortly.

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Our vision for this joint event: 

  1. Conference dinner Tuesday 30th April (London location tbc)

  2. Overnight accommodation available at RFSK

  3. Conference 09:30-16:30

  4. Drinks reception and charity launch 17:00-18:30

 

AIM: to inform, explore and find solutions for major health issues i.e., MUS. .

 

TARGET: Our target audience will primarily be healthcare professionals, Integrated Care Board (ICB) members, patient representatives, researchers, other charities and the media..

 

CONTENT: Topics to be covered in this educational include:

 

  1. Welcome, introduction, and overview of the MUS problem: frequency, demographics and health economics.

  2. Who are the people/families affected by MUS. Are they the same as frequent attenders?

  3. What does the literature tell us?

  4. MUS: Dr ChatGPT will see you now.

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Guest Lectures (tbh)

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  1. Exploring clinical doubt in people with MUS.

  2. MUS - what resources are needed and what is currently available.

  3. MUS - is genetic testing the answer?

  4. MUS and frequent attenders in A&E - is the picture different from primary care?

  5. The patients’ experiences of MUS

  6. The doctors' experience of MUS

  7. MUS - What research is needed?

  8. How can we move forward: practical tips for patients, families and HCPs.

  9. Summary and close

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Further information/contact:

 

Dr Adrian Tookman,

Chair, Forgotten Patients, Overlooked Diseases Charity (Registration 1202442)

adrian.tookman@outlook,com

+44 7714 932834

 

Dr Steven Walker

Trustee & Secretary

Steven.walker@forgottenpatients.org

+44 7 55 33 77 871

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