CANN - 55th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions

By invitation only for CANN and WFNN board members.

Board members only
8:00-8:45 - Breakfast
10:15-10:30 - Coffee Break
12:00-12:45 - Lunch
14:00-14:15 - Coffee Break

WFNN board members only.

Join us for some refreshments, hors d'oeuvre and live music and meet, chat and discuss with fellow conference delegates, invited speakers and conference organizers.

Thank you to Luke Nickel Trio for their live jazz performance! Learn more about your musicians for the evening:

KEON NARINESINGH
Keon is a Toronto based bass player and improviser. He is from Kelowna BC, where he fell in love with jazz in high school before moving to Toronto to study music at the University of Toronto. Since moving to Toronto, Keon has performed at a variety of venues, such as The Rex, The Jazz Bistro, Casino Rama, Grand Bend Rotary Stage, Tranzac Club, and the Cameron House. He has also performed with many Toronto artists, including Allison Au, Ethan Ardelli, Chris Pruden, Tara
Kannangara, Leland Whitty, Brodie West, Mackenzie Longpre, and Eric West.

STEVEN NORONHA
Steven Noronha is a Pianist, Composer and Improviser from Toronto Ontario. He is currently completing his undergraduate degree and has studied with Chris Donnelly and Tania Gill. Steven is focused on exploring the
boundaries of technical practice at the piano especially in the realm of rhythmic identity and hand independence. He is also interested in exploring the conventions of the performer/audience relationship. Currently he plays and performs in
various groups around the city and is working towards recording an album of original compositions, sketches, and improvisations.

LUKE NICKEL
Luke Nickel is an up and coming trombone player in the Toronto scene with roots in jazz and jam music. He specializes in jazz, but has experience playing pop, funk, R&B, prog rock/punk classical, and folk music as well. Due to his experience playing in a myriad of different genres, Luke plays in a unique style, mixing blues, jazz, and funk to create an exciting musical experience for those to listen to. Luke has played at a variety of places in Toronto including The Emmet Ray, Free Times Cafe, The Rex, The Jazz Bistro, Collective Arts Brewery and The Tranzac. He has studied with great Toronto based musicians including Terry Promane, Karl Silveira, and Luis Deniz and has played with established musicians such as Anderson Paak, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Sean Jones and Rich Brown.

Enjoy a buffet breakfast to kick off the first morning of the 55th CANN Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions!

Food will be available from 7:30 until 8:30. Please make sure you have your food and are seated for 8:00 in time for the opening ceremony. Thank you!

Greetings from the 55th CANN Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions' organizing committee

The CANN President will address conference delegates.

The Chief Nursing Officer of Canada will address conference delegates in this pre-recorded presentation.

"I continue to be inspired by nurses across Canada, and I know that when we work together, we can create solutions that will drive meaningful change in the health care system. Canada is fortunate to have nurses with such great knowledge, expertise and professionalism in the health system; despite the complex and ever-changing healthcare environment, nurses respond with humanity, composure, expertise and competence. Retention of nurses is a vital first step required to continue to ensure a robust and sustainable workforce - this knowledge prompted the development of the Nursing Retention Toolkit Nursing retention toolkit: Improving the working lives of nurses in Canada - Canada.ca."

WFNN President Cathy Cartwright will welcome conference delegates.

Increasing demands on the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) can cause many experienced APRNs to reach a point in their career where they are “stuck” in their role, with no time to explore opportunities for professional development. Many do not know how to proceed with an idea. This can affect retention, job satisfaction and, ultimately, patient outcomes. The Academy for Professional Development provides opportunities and resources for professional development, expanding APRN practice beyond everyday clinical practice.

A four-module course was developed by APRN leaders based on a needs assessment. Ninety-seven participants attended classes in-person and virtually. Curriculum included leadership, advocacy, evidence-based practice/research, mindfulness, library skills, and dissemination, emphasizing access to hospital resources. Participants created a project based on a clinical problem. Outcomes were measured using the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale for the initial 3 cohorts, 6 months after graduation, and written and verbal feedback from all cohorts.

Ten cohorts of 97 participants from 26 pediatric specialties completed the course. The psychosocial department was included starting with the fifth cohort, resulting in interprofessional collaboration. Outcomes demonstrate a positive impact on professional development and job satisfaction for APRNs and other health care professionals. APRNs report increased knowledge of resources and involvement in quality improvement/research. Several have national poster and podium presentations, publications, involvement in their professional organizations’ and are seeking advanced degrees.

An APRN Academy for Professional Development provides the resources and encouragement needed for APRNs to explore professional opportunities and invigorate their careers, increasing job satisfaction and retention.

The CNSF executive welcomes CANN conference delegates.

Patrick is originally from the small town of Sturgeon Falls. Shortly after starting nursing school, moving into
residence, joining the varsity swim team settling into university life, his plans were thrown off track by
unexpected health issues. His multiple experiences in the healthcare system as a patient, before finishing
his first year of post-secondary education, have allowed him to approach nursing from a different angle.
Having been a patient, undergoing multiple surgeries and lengthy treatments, Patrick understands the
struggles and limits that patients face. As a nurse, he adapts the care he provides, using these experiences,
to improve the overall experiences and support his patients and their loved ones through some of the most
difficult, unexpected and traumatic moments of their lives.

Patrick has learned to make the best twelve-course lemon-themed meal when life launches canon ball-
sized lemons his way, by promoting awareness through telling his story openly and proudly.

About the Mary Glover Lecture
Mary Glover was a Head Nurse at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver. She was killed in a plane crash more than 45 years ago. Yet, through this neuroscience nurse's passion for her specialty, we share in her legacy through the annual Mary Glover Lecture, which was established by her parents after her death. The first Mary Glover Lecturer was Pamela Mitchell, a well-known neuroscience nurse from the School of Nursing at the University of Washington. She is leaving a multifaceted legacy through her research on intracranial pressure and quality of care as well as her books and her mentorship. Jessie Young has left a legacy as the founder and first president of the Canadian Association of Neuroscience Nurses (CANN). CANN is leaving a legacy with many firsts among Canadian nursing specialty organizations. Leaving a legacy is not just about donating money or writing a famous book. For most of us, our legacy comes in the little everyday things of life. Ask yourself, what is the legacy that you are leaving as a neuroscience nurse and as an individual?

Spotlight on PD is a balanced educational program which was designed by Parkinson key opinion leaders for their healthcare practitioners colleagues treating Parkinson's. By the end of this one hour program, participants will be able to:

1) Understand the need for additional treatment options to control fluctuating symptoms in advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD)
2) Summarize the efficacy and safety profile of device-aided therapies (DAT) to control fluctuating symptoms in advanced PD
3) Apply strategies to optimize management of patients who require DAT to control fluctuating symptoms in advanced PD

Background: I always knew that being a person with a neurological disorder such as epilepsy could make day to day living a challenge, what I didn't know until I became a Epilepsy Clinical Coordinator was just how much more complex  the “day to day” can be for Women With Epilepsy (W.W.E). Women not only face the common risk of external seizure triggers such as stress, illness or sleep deprivation; they also have to navigate a trigger that they naturally have no control over… their menstrual cycle. For some W.W.E. there can be cyclical worsening of their seizure frequency or intensity that is directly associated with increases in estrogen and/or decreases in progesterone, this is called Catamenial Epilepsy.  

Design Methods: Literature review though SHA library search phrase included: Catamenial Epilepsy. I'm also incorporating personal experiences working as a clinical coordinator of a seizure/epilepsy outpatient department.

Results: According to Maguire & Nevit (2018), approximately a third of W.W.E. have 1 (or more) different catamenial pattern/s, which are:
• C1: Day -3(25) to day 3
• C2: Day 10-15
• C3: Anovulatory (no ovulation)
Treatment options:
• Benzodiazepines
• Acetazolamide
• Progesterone supplements
• Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone

Conclusions: Women with epilepsy are a complex patient population to serve, what makes these women so unique is that they will continue to have fluctuations in hormones throughout a lifetime. Catamenial epilepsy refers to the cyclical worsening of seizure frequency or intensity in relation to a menstrual cycle. A third of WWE fall into 1 or more of the 3 different catamenial patterns which requires patient specific treatment plans.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune mediated disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms include numbness, fatigue, pain, spasticity, impaired balance, incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Its course is variable and there is no known cure.

The prevalence of MS in Canada is among the highest reported in the world (Gilmore et al., 2018). The complex symptomatology and care needs of people with MS results in them being high users of health care services who frequently interact with health care providers. Research suggest when these interactions are devoid of respect and empathy, patients feel disregarded, invalidated and dismissed (Pétrin et al., 2020). Arguably, such encounters erode one’s sense of dignity.

How can neuroscience nurses help conserve the dignity of patients with MS? Research examining patient dignity in palliative care has been conducted, providing an empirical basis for the provision of dignity conserving care (McClement et al., 2004; Thompson & Chochinov, 2008). The Canadian Association of Neuroscience Nurses Standards of Practice require nurses be aware of the interfaces between neurological conditions/disorders and other specialized areas of nursing practice such as Palliative Care.

Accordingly, drawing on palliative care research examining dignity in those with life-limiting illness, this presentation will: 1) provide an overview of the domains of an empirically derived model of dignity conserving care; 2) identify factors that bolster and undermine patient dignity; 3) demonstrate the application of the model of dignity conserving care to practice by proposing tangible nursing actions to support the dignity of MS patients during care encounters.

The purpose of this presentation is to understand the different variants of Guillain Barré Syndrome.

We often think of Guillain Barre syndrome as altered sensation and weakness in a symmetric glove and stocking presentation. This is the most common symptoms we see. We recently had a patient who presented only motor deficit that rapidly progressed over the course of 24h. His sensation was completely intact. However, he went from weak ataxic movements to not being able to move all 4 limbs within 24h. What makes this case different? This is our case study.

Let us look at this case considering what we can learn about the variants of Guillain Barré. What is the pathogenesis of each variant? Guillain Barré syndrome is the umbrella term used for acute immune-mediated polyneuropathies triggered by an antecedent infection, vaccination, or in rare events of surgery, trauma, or bone-marrow transplantation. It is a monophasic illness with several variants. There are two categories of polyneuropathies: Axonal and demyelinating polyneuropathies.

Variants of Guillain Barré syndrome include acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), and Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE) (Lange, D. J., Robinson-Papp, Jessica, 2023). The variations are thought to be due to the differences in the preceding infections that triggered GBS (Leonhard, S.E., Van der Eijk, A.A. et al, 2022). The symptoms vary depending on the antibody involved affecting myelinated motor, sensory, cranial, and/or sympathetic nerves. The main features of these main variants will be discussed. Treatment and current research in treatment will also be explored.

Background: Concerns are documented regarding new-to-practice nurses' preparedness for professional practice (Benner, 2015; Jessee, 2021). The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) acknowledged errors that occur in inpatient settings may be preventable if nurses make decisions with sound clinical judgment (Nursing, 2017; Silvestre & Spector, 2023). Nursing knowledge and clinical skills grow more complex in practice requiring new-to-practice nurses to implement advanced problem-solving, and clinical reasoning (Baker et al., 2021). Educational strategies must focus more on experiential learning rather than on simple recall. Thus, promoting applying knowledge in real-life practice. An increasing number of studies have been conducted assessing clinical judgment related to medication administration (Klenke-Borgmann et al., 2021; Lee & Wessol, 2022) but few have studied clinical judgment using video simulation of complex situations such as failure to rescue.

Materials and Methods: A non-experimental, repeat measure (two-session) where nursing students in their senior 1st and 2nd semesters viewed a video simulation of a nurse caring for a declining acute stroke patient. At designated time-points, students completed a reflective journal based on Tanner’s Clinical Judgment Model; writing down what they noticed, their interpretations, how they should respond, and reflected on the nurse’s evaluation of the patient in the video.

Results: Interim analysis shows senior nursing students can list clinical manifestations of a declining stroke patient; however, they struggle to identify the same clinical manifestations when presented in video format.

Conclusions: Incorporating simulated scenarios may provide new-to-practice nurses with experiential learning to care for complex neuroscience patients effectively.

As neuroscience nurses, we know that what you see in your patient is not always the full picture.  Sometimes you need to play detective and look for predictable symptoms to understand the whole patient.

For those living with multiple sclerosis (MS), their disease course and symptoms are variable, unpredictable and can fluctuate over time. As MS is an autoimmune disease, the attacks happen on the inside of the body – but so do many symptoms. These are typically termed the ‘invisible’ symptoms as others cannot see them.

Using interactive learning technology, this session will provide a fun and creative way to learn more about the hidden symptoms of MS. Through audience participation and connecting with cell phones, information will be shared in a real-time format on the common and less common symptoms of MS.

Often, people with MS are referred to our outpatient clinic for symptoms that are observed, not always subjective. By completing a thorough head to toe intake assessment, we cover questions from each discipline in our program teasing out hidden symptoms that are not necessarily obvious. By the end of the appointment, patients are usually scheduled with other therapists to manage their invisible symptoms.

Engaging with your cell phone is encouraged in this session – while learning about how this disease and symptoms impact their life. Get a short up-to-date review on invisible symptoms and the unseen side of MS.

The Neuro is a unique institution with a Clinical Research Unit (CRU) set within a neurological hospital. In the last 20 years, the CRU flourished from a small unit into a leading center with over 125 trials annually. It is one of the largest establishments of its kind in Canada, focusing in all areas of neurology. With the burden of neurological disorders as the leading cause of disability and death worldwide, our vision, is to make all neurological and rare diseases treatable. When treatment options are limited, clinical trials offer hope and meaning for patients, allowing them access to new, potentially promising therapies while contributing to science and improving peoples’ quality of life. An added advantage is close follow-up with world-renowned neuroscience healthcare professionals during their enrollment. Nevertheless, joining a trial may be burdensome since it is a commitment of time and energy, and can involve risks.

The purpose of this presentation is to introduce the CRU and to highlight the clinical research nurses’ contributions in supporting patients and families through diagnosis, referral, screening, investigational treatment and study termination. Clinical trials are complex, involving a multidisciplinary team. At the heart of this team are the patients and caregivers. Captivated by their resilience in the face of serious illness, taking part in their journey helps us better understand their experiences, which in turn can inform better study design. Although not operating in the traditional clinic setting, the research nursing role is a vital piece of the team, where human subject protection is at the core of all that we do, while balancing neurological patient care, bioethics, respecting research protocols and data integrity.

BACKGROUND:  Education of patients and their families regarding transition from an acute stroke unit to inpatient rehabilitation is paramount so that they can make an informed choice about the type of rehabilitation proposed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of watching a teaching video on stroke patients and their caregivers after being referred to inpatient stroke rehabilitation (ISR) on knowledge of rehabilitation, anxiety level, and perceived stress and to explore the association and effect of co-variables (age, severity of disease, sex, and level of scolarity).

METHODS: A pre-/post-intervention research design was used. ISR-bound patients and caregivers were recruited during hospitalisation following a stroke. Assessments took place before discharge to the rehabilitation center at three timepoints: Immediately before (A1), immediately after (A2), and one to three days after (A3) the video-viewing.

RESULTS: Thirty-two (32) individuals (acute stroke phase) and 32 caregivers were recruited. There was a statistically significant improvement in knowledge about ISR right after viewing the video (p = 0.000), but no difference for anxiety and perceived stress (p > 0.05) for stroke patients and caregivers. No association with age, severity of diseased, sex and level of scolarity was found with knowledge of rehabilitation, anxiety level, and perceived stress.

CONCLUSION: A teaching video improves knowledge about ISR for stroke patients and caregivers. However, viewing a video on ISR does not seem to decrease anxiety and perceived stress in short-term.

Chiari Malformation is unique to the world of neuroscience because it is a name given to heterogenous group of posterior fossa and hindbrain (cerebellar, pons and medulla oblongata) deformities. This condition was described more than 100 years ago and has neither anatomic nor embryonic correlation. There are 4 types of Chiari Malformation. Chiari 1 and Chiari 2 are the most common types.  The symptoms don’t typically present not until later on into one’s childhood or young adulthood.  Progression of Chiari Malformation condition has a real life challenge and impact to patient’s quality of life. A case study presentation will describe Chiari Malformation Type1 in the adult, their pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests, operative treatment and interdisciplinary care approaches. Also, from this, neuroscience nurses will be provided a structured and evidence-based approaches in understanding Chiari Malformation. The knowledge gained from the case study will increase the nurses’ awareness, improve patients’ care and optimize outcome when caring for a Chiari Malformation Type 1 patient in a clinical setting. Neuroscience nurses have an integral role in ensuring specialized care is met during hospitalization and patients and their relatives are actively participating in the recovery process.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is sterotactically-targeted implantation of electrodes into the deep structures of the brain. Once implanted, it serves as an opportunity for application of chronic, reversible electrical current, which is applied focally to neural elements, which helps modulated circuit dysfunction in disease. Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure in which a device is implanted to the brain. There are three components: the implanted pulse generator (IPG), the lead, and an extension. The IPG is a battery-powered neurostimulator that sends electrical pulses to the brain that interfere with the neural activity at the target site. There are many indications for deep brain stimulation and there is level I evidence to support the efficacy of the device for diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Dystonia, Epilepsy and Depression to name a few. The first stage of the surgery is typically completed awake comprised of some intraoperative testing followed by stage II that consists with internalization of the device and insertion of the IPG, which is done asleep.

 A review of evidenced based journal articles will be used to discuss the following: 
1.    Surgical procedure overview of deep brain stimulation 
2.    Risks and benefits of surgery 
3.    Who are candidates for deep brain stimulation surgery 
4.    Surgical complications 
5.    Outcomes of deep brain stimulation surgery 

Deep brain stimulation surgery is a quality of life surgery that has proven effective outcomes in many realms such as decreased seizure burden in epilepsy, reduction in tremor and motor fluctuations in Parkinson’s disease as example.

Coffee, tea and light snacks will be served.
Thank you for visiting our sponsor booths!

There are over 100 symptoms experienced by patients suffering long COVID. With new variants, have come new primary symptoms, shifting away from respiratory complaints into the neurological realm. Fatigue, headache, confusion, dizziness, and sleep disturbances have taken over several of the top 10 spots on the most common complaints list. Acute COVID infection and long COVID are now endemic and here to stay. While newer variants are resulting in fewer hospitalizations and deaths, long COVID continues to impact a percentage of those infected. While slow rehabilitation is helpful, long term chronic neurological symptoms may persist for years and may require the care and expertise of neuroscience nurses to manage these symptoms. This talk will review the data from Alberta and other jurisdictions, review the relevant literature on neurological symptoms, biomarkers, and treatment options, and explore four new hypotheses for why and how long COVID occurs.

Background: Concussions are a major health issue for children and youth. A follow-up visit is recommended within 4 weeks of an initial diagnosis. Although research exists on the time between injury and initial diagnosis on children’s health, no studies have investigated follow-up visit timing on health outcomes after pediatric concussion. In this study, we examined the occurrence of a residual health outcome after concussion between children who received and did not receive a timely follow-up visit.

Methods: A retrospective correlational design drawing on linked, population-based administrative data was employed. Data were accessed from January 2016 to December 2017 through Population Data BC. Occurrence of a residual health outcome was defined as health outcomes >3 months post-injury and was measured using concussion and concussion-associated ICD codes. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the relationships between timing of the first follow-up visit and the occurrence of a residual health outcome.

Results: The likelihood of developing a residual health outcome was associated with the timing of the first follow-up visit. After controlling for demographic variables, concussed pediatric cases who had a delayed follow-up visit had higher odds (ORs = 2.68, 1.71, 1.67) of developing a residual health outcome up to 1 year post-injury compared to those with timely follow-up.

Conclusion: The finding of an association between residual health outcomes and the timing of follow-up care is notable. Our results suggest that there may be children and youth who experience preventable long-term sequelae from a concussion when timely follow-up is delayed.

Background: Health inequities are unfair, unjust and avoidable health differences resulting from intersecting systems of structured inequity such as racism, sexism, ableism, cisheteronormativity and social determinants of health (Arcaya et al., 2015; Braveman, 2014; De Sousa, 2023). The aim of this review was to understand the existing health inequities in stroke care and knowledge gaps to inform practice, research, policy and stroke service provision. Furthermore, we sought to understand how health inequity is conceptualized in the stroke literature. Materials and

Methods: We used a critical integrative review methodology, a novel literature review methodology that combined the integrative review methodology (Whittemore & Knafl, 2005) and intersectionality (Collins, 2019; De Sousa & Varcoe, 2022). We searched MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL (Ebsco) and Web of Science Core Collection for primary research articles published up until February 13, 2023. Alerts were set on all databases to identify relevant articles published since February 13. We also searched Theses Canada Portal, DART-Europe E-theses Portal, EthOSnet and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global for grey literature. We performed title/abstract screening and full-text review prior to data extraction and evaluation of methodological quality.

Results: A total of 31376 records have been identified thus far, 15102 were screened, and 921 records (539 full-text articles and 365 conference proceedings) met inclusion criteria. Data extraction and methodological quality evaluation are still ongoing. Preliminary results suggest a lack of integration of intersectionality as a framework in stroke research, which also underpins the theoretical conceptualization of health inequity in the field.

Sarah Best, B.Sc., MHM, CCRP, is a Clinical Trials Research Manager for the Cognitive Clinical Research Group at Parkwood Institute. She graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Health Science in 2006 and from McMaster University with a master degree in Health Management in 2019. She has been working in the field of
Dementia Research for the past eighteen years. Ms. Best is also the budget officer for the Consortium of Canadian Centres for Clinical Cognitive Research and a member of the platform implementation team for the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration and Aging (CCNA). Her research interests include both the implementation and
operationalization of research projects in neurodegeneration and aging.

Join us for a delightful social night at the Rogers Center Bacardi at the Park Bar (exclusively reserved for us!)
Get ready to cheer for your favorite team as the Chicago White Sox take on the Toronto Blue Jays in what promises to be an exhilarating game filled with action-packed moments and thrilling plays! Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a fun outing with friends and family, this game is not to be missed!
Tickets purchase required! (see Eventbrite for registration)

Start the day with some healthy exercice and contribute to nursing research! All proceeds from this activity will go toward the Marlene Reimer nursing research award.

The Marlene Reimer Research Award was established to promote neuroscience nursing research in line with the mission and vision of CANN. This award provides financial support to qualified nurses to pursue a research project focusing directly on neuroscience patient care issues relevant to the scope of nursing practice in Canada. Amount awarded is determined yearly. The award may be awarded to one or more individuals depending on available funds.

Start the day with some healthy exercice and contribute to nursing research! All proceeds from this activity will go toward the Marlene Reimer nursing research award.

The Marlene Reimer Research Award was established to promote neuroscience nursing research in line with the mission and vision of CANN. This award provides financial support to qualified nurses to pursue a research project focusing directly on neuroscience patient care issues relevant to the scope of nursing practice in Canada. Amount awarded is determined yearly. The award may be awarded to one or more individuals depending on available funds.

The buffet will be served as of 7:30. We ask that everybody be seated as of 8:00 to start the sponsored breakfast presentation.

Introduction:
Since 2010, immunoglobulins (Ig) utilization rate has doubled internationally (NAC & CBS, 2020). Despite efforts since 2018 to make Canada self-sufficient in Ig inventory management, the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need to reach this goal (NAC & CBS, 2020). Immunology and neurology are the two most prevalent medical sub-specialties for Ig treatments, neurology being the one that uses the highest volume of Ig products administered to patients in some provinces (INSPQ, 2023). 
In neurology, generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) represents the second largest patient population receiving IVIg (INSPQ, 2023). Although various strategies may be implemented to reduce IVIg usage rates in Canada, each province has the mandate of managing its own Ig stocks. As such, there may be disparities between provinces in Ig inventory management initiatives.
To inform decision-makers on how to prioritize IVIg usage and establish clear policies to maximize Ig availability to treat patients, clear financial data should be available. Publications have compared treatment costs between IVIg and SCIg (Ritchie et al., 2022), others have retrospectively assessed the costs of IVIg usage (Murphy et al., 2019) over a period of time. However, no systematic pan-Canadian cost assessment of IVIg administration in the hospital ambulatory care setting has been performed.
Method:
To estimate the cost of hospital ambulatory care IVIg administration, the gMG patient population was selected. From January to March 2024, clinician salaries, medical equipment and hospital overhead costs were compiled for all Canadian provinces and territories. A baseline scenario of chronic gMG patient treatment cycles was established and costs were calculated to compare all health jurisdictions in the country. In addition to direct costs such as salaries and medical supplies, indirect costs such as indirect salaries, energy and infrastructure costs were factored into the final calculations.
Results:
Salary differences, mainly nursing, and infrastructure costs were the two main elements affecting the IVIg administration cost between provinces. Yearly IVIg treatment costs in hospital ambulatory care settings for one chronic gMG patient may be upward of $9,000 in certain parts of Canada.
Discussion:
With the availability of alternative treatments to cyclical hospital-based IVIg therapies for chronic gMG patients (CADTH, 2023; CADTH, 2020), health authorities and decision-makers could reallocate significant budgets and move closer to Ig products self-sustainability should they offering this type of treatments in the community. Non-public healthcare patient support programs (PSP) would also further decrease the financial burden of gMG treatments on public healthcare networks.

"My accident, and then my rehabilitation for the last 18 years, has made me come to realize what my true purpose in life is, and that is to give hope and inspiration to others. Have each of you discovered what your passion and purpose in life is?" - Michael Coss, TBI Survivor

This short presentation and following discussion panel will explore Michael's lived experience as a TBI survivor. Michael's father, Bob, will share his perspective as a parent and caregiver.

Get ready for a series of rapid-fire presentations that promise to be informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking!
In this event, seven speakers will each have six minutes to captivate you with their ideas and stories.

1. Stroke and a Coffee: Saskatoon Stroke Program Provincial Stroke Rounds (Ruth Whelan)
Background: Guided by the Hub and Spoke model, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan’s Royal University Hospital, serves as the provinces comprehensive stroke center serving 8 primary stroke centers. Throughout 2022-2023, the Saskatoon Stroke Program (SSP) reconnected with primary stroke centers across the province. An emergent theme was the desire for enhanced stroke care knowledge among spoke centres.
Method: A pilot project was created by the SSP with support from the, University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation. The aim was to support health care providers (HCP) participating in stroke care via a monthly virtual case-based round. Participants were invited to complete pre and post sessions surveys, allowing facilitators to focus content on identified knowledge gaps. Sessions were guided by evidence-based practice.
Results: Engagement was high as was reflected in the sustained number of live and recorded views of each sessions. 344 individuals registered to participate, consisting of multiple types of HCP and broad provincial representation, 28% of whom provided care in primary stroke centers. Average attendance of live viewership was 128 individuals. Average views of recorded session was 83 individuals.
Discussion: The need for evidence and expert based knowledge to support HCP in the delivery of stroke care was clearly demonstrated by the successful implementation of this pilot project. Feedback from participants spoke to knowledge gained from participation while a secondary outcome was building a stronger stroke community. Participants reported feeling grateful for this unique opportunity to learn while connecting with HCP also providing care across the stroke continuum.


2. Vasospasm and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia in the Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patient (Philippe Gallant)
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is an important source of death and disability worldwide (Etmian, et al. 2019). Following initial cerebral injury, these patients often suffer many complications, including cerebral vasospasm (Hickey & Strayer, 2020; Paul, et al. 2016). Given the high rate of cerebral vasospasm of 70% and its potentially devastating outcomes, it is incumbent on the neuro nurse to grasp the complex pathophysiology behind cerebral vasospasm, how it can contribute to delayed cerebral ischemia, and how it should be identified and managed (Paul, et al. 2016). Through a literature review, I identify recent changes in practice, and possible future therapies. These changes include the abandoning of so called “triple H therapy”, in favour a modified strategy of targeting euvolemia, allowing patient to maintain their own blood pressure and only intervening when symptomatic of hypotension, and avoiding hemodilution (Burns et al. 2018; Findlay et al. 2016; Young Lee et al.2013). I explore future therapies, including the more widespread use of IR interventions which thus far have had limited implementation, statin therapy, magnesium therapy and endothelin-1 antagonists (Burns et al. 2010; Findlay et al. 2016; Neligan & Deutschman, 2020). These changes to current standards, as well as changing radiological techniques, help reduce the burden of delayed cerebral ischemia, and directly effect the neuro nurse’s practice. Keen, detailed and reproducible neurologic exams help to corelate potential areas of vasospasm with clinical finding. Such exams inform treatment by excluding other possible causes for neurological change, before treatment for vasospasm can commence.

3. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction in Pediatric Concussion: A Scoping Review (Scott Ramsay)
Background: Concussions are a significant health issue for children and youth, with the potential for consequences in multiple domains of health. Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) has been proposed as a contributing factor to concussion symptoms given its role in regulating cerebral perfusion. However, the influence of autonomic dysfunction is largely undetermined after pediatric concussion, therefore we sought to identify and summarize the relationship between autonomic dysfunction and pediatric concussion.
Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Scopus for articles relating to the following concepts: concussion, autonomic dysfunction, and children/youth. Two independent reviewers screened and evaluated articles and extracted data including study participants, methods, and results. Data regarding autonomic dysfunction, autonomic measurement, and stage of injury are reported.
Results: Of the 76 studies initially identified, 11 met inclusion criteria. Ten of 11 studies identified ANS dysfunction after concussion in the pediatric population. All studies used cardioregulatory function measures, with two studies also including carbon dioxide levels to identify autonomic dysfunction. Participant outcomes included abnormalities in heart rate variability, orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, and carbon dioxide levels. There was no distinct time when ANS measurements occurred (six studies in the acute phase, six studies in the subacute phase, and four chronically) and only three studies provided an intervention (i.e., exercise).
Conclusion: Autonomic Dysfunction appears commonly after a pediatric concussion. Cardioregulatory function is the preferred measurement technique. Lastly, neuroscience nurses must be aware of the physiological differences after pediatric concussion to provide appropriate symptom management and interventions.

Get ready for a series of rapid-fire presentations that promise to be informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking!
In this event, seven speakers will each have six minutes to captivate you with their ideas and stories.

4. What it takes to care (Shauna Brady)
Whether you are a spouse, partner, parent, child, family member or friend providing care on a regular basis to someone with a chronic disease, is challenging. It is time consuming, and it can be frustrating. You understand the burden of ‘what it takes to care’. In this short 6-minute presentation, get an update on how caring for someone suffering with multiple sclerosis (MS) is difficult but rewarding. The role of a caregiver is an important one, albeit not an easy one. They are sometimes forgotten as ‘living the experience’ too. Though physically and emotionally exhausting due to the unpredictable and chronic nature of the disease, the support partner role may change from one day to another or over time as the disease progresses. Our clinic recognized the need for caregivers to learn more about this disease and how to help manage common symptoms. This is to help improve the quality of life for both the patient and themselves. Realizing that the support partner and the person with MS are in this together and that living with MS requires a team effort. It is a partnership that grows and evolves over time. Though focused on multiple sclerosis, this pecha kucha talk is applicable to a caregiver for any neurological disease. Stressing the importance of understanding the disease, taking care of themselves, caregiver facts and how being a caregiver can be satisfying.

5. When to pick the nose - Intranasal Midazolam for Seizure Rescue (Hayley Lane)
When a person is seizing, rapid administration of a benzodiazepine is key to providing care. For inpatients, the traditional route of administration is intravenous lorazepam, however, the intravenous route is not always possible, and maintaining a saline-lock long term is not possible. Some patients are also needle-phobic, and patients with cognitive impairment may not be able to keep an IV in long term. Intranasal Midazolam is a non-invasive and equally effective way to administer a rescue benzodiazepine during seizure activity. Caregivers and family members can also be taught how to administer intranasal midazolam in the community as part of a person's seizure response plan. The goal of this Pecha Kucha is to raise awareness of this route of administration and briefly discuss possible applications to practice.

6. Your Patient is Palliative- Now What? A Transition to Comfort Care (Lynda Ryall-Henke)

In the Neuroscience clinical unit, nurses may care for patients at the end of life. This can be due to a sudden and unexpected event or a natural consequence of the chronic disease that they suffer. Through appropriate palliative care, nurses can assist the patient and family to a comfortable death. Not all nurses are familiar with end of life care and the focus of this presentation will be to share ideas and evidence using the Ontario Palliative Care Network’s framework to strengthen this part of the patient care journey.
In particular this presentation will discuss suggestions around concepts of palliative care in the acute care environment, ways to help promote dignity of the person/family and acknowledge the moral dilemma the nurse may be experiencing. Throughout the presentation there will be opportunity for the participants to engage with the concepts and through the use of case studies the audience will become active learners. The intended outcome of the presentation will be improved confidence in facilitating end of life decisions and the discussion of advance care planning. Too often nurses struggle to assist the patient and family to make informed decisions that align with their values and goals.  

Coffee, tea and light snacks will be served.

This meeting is for CANN members only

The agenda for the meeting including the minutes from the 2023 AGM will be circulated to members ahead of the meeting as per the bylaws and the terms of reference of the association. Please note that documents will NOT be circulated at the meeting. Please consider bringing your own as needed.

Objectives: In this one-hour program, participants will be able to

1. Understand the types of epilepsy and available treatment options.
2. Explore medical treatments for epilepsy and understand the unmet needs with current medications.
3. Examine the role of surgery in managing drug-resistant epilepsy, and post-surgical considerations.

Background: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (PIs) are mostly preventable adverse events that increase patients’ pain, morbidity, and hospital length of stay. While 90% of adult patients in Alberta hospitals are assessed for PI risk, 18% experience a PI. We aimed to identify barriers and facilitators influencing the implementation of PI prevention (PIP) strategies for the care of adult inpatients, through a theoretically-informed implementation-science lens.

Materials and Methods: This nursing-led research involved interpretive description and semi-structured interviews with multidisciplinary providers. A semi-structured question guide queried perceptions on current PIP practices, risk assessment and perceived challenges and opportunities. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and independently coded by two researchers. Codes were both deductively mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and inductively themed; both deductive and inductive approaches were bridged into an overarching thematic framework by four researchers.

Results: Twenty-two interviews with multidisciplinary providers were completed (health care aides, managers, nurses, occupational therapists and wound care specialists) at five diverse adult inpatient units throughout Alberta. Themes that emerged were: culture and context, equipment and resources, process models and best practices, communication, frontline staff, specialized staff, patient and family engagement, patient complexity, leveraging opportunities, and negative outcomes.

Conclusions: This study identified numerous barriers and facilitators to PIP in frontline clinical practice and at the organizational level. Nursing researchers will collaborate with leadership and local champions to develop targeted strategies to overcome the identified barriers.

Particularly in the Western world, the medicalization of death and dying has resulted in a loss of individual, family and community-based knowledge and skills when confronted with and living through these inevitable parts of life. Over the past few decades there has been a world-wide grassroots movement – often referred to as the “death awareness” or “death positive” movement – striving to reclaim and humanize these stages of the human experience. One component of this movement is death cafes.

Confucius is credited with saying that each of has two lives - the second one beginning when we truly understand that we only have one. The primary purpose of death cafes is consciousness-raising about how temporary each of our lives is. Death cafes can help to “dismantle the silence that reigns over the topic of death” (Fong, 2019). Typically, death cafes are ‘pop up events” held in respectful and confidential spaces. There is no goal of directing or leading people to any conclusions or courses of action. Cake must be served. (Miles & Corr, 2017).

In this workshop participants will:

• Become familiar with terms like death literacy and death competency. 
• Engage in a facilitated dialogue about death, dying, and bereavement
• Explore personal and systemic barriers to discussing end-of-life issues

The “Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022-2031” is a comprehensive plan adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) Member States in May 2022. It aims to improve access to treatment, care, and quality of life for individuals with neurological disorders, their families and caregivers; as well as preventing new cases; and promoting brain health across the life-course.

Nurses make up the most significant number of healthcare providers globally. Around the world neuroscience nurses provide care to individuals and families with neurological disorders in many different roles and settings that vary from region to region and in relation to economic, social, cultural, and racial/ethnic diversity.

Neuroscience nurses are ideally positioned to help implement the IGAP strategic objectives, but to do that nurses need to understand the IGAP and the actions to be undertaken by all stakeholders to attain the global targets.

This interactive presentation will be divided into 3 sections and will include:
Introduction: providing an overview of what IGAP is, with a focus on where nursing practice intersects with the IGAP strategic initiatives
Discussion: providing the opportunity for attendees to consider examples where neuroscience nurses can and do meet IGAP strategic objectives; and to consider situations, practice settings and at-risk communities in their own regions where further nursing actions could improve neurological care
Past, Present and Future Considerations: will challenge attendees to consider where we are now, what else can we do, and how we move forward to improve care for individuals with neurological disorders.

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, presenting significant challenges in neurorehabilitation. Sensory deprivation in comatose patients exacerbates outcomes, necessitating innovative stimulation techniques. This study explores the efficacy of auditory stimulation using job sounds to enhance the level of consciousness in comatose TBI patients.

Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial involving 50 comatose TBI patients hospitalized in intensive care units compared the effects of job-sound stimulation against standard care. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups of control and intervention using the block randomization method. Patients in the intervention group received recordings of their job sounds (recorded by their family/colleagues in their workplaces) twice daily for 10 days, aiming to trigger memories and cognitive associations. The level of consciousness was assessed before and after stimulation using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).

Results: No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding demographic, disease-related variables and their baseline GCS. Post-intervention, the intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in GCS scores compared to the control group (P=0.038), suggesting that job sound stimulation can significantly enhance the level of consciousness in comatose TBI patients.

Conclusion: Auditory stimulation with job-related sounds is a novel, effective sensory stimulation approach for comatose TBI patients, offering a personalized method to potentially accelerate recovery. This underscores the importance of tailored auditory stimulation in neurorehabilitation and introduces a new area for neuroscience nursing interventions to enhance comatose patient outcomes.

Keywords: Coma, Auditory stimulation, Traumatic brain injury, Glasgow Coma Scale, Neurorehabilitation, Neuroscience nursing

The Neuro-Oncology Program at Carlo Fidani Regional Cancer Centre, Trillium Health Partners (THP), is the third largest program in Ontario providing specialty glioma care within the Mississauga, Halton and Central West regions for people living with malignant primary brain tumours. The neuro-oncology care services include surgical intervention, radiation therapy, systemic therapy, symptom management, and end-of-life care. The incidence of primary brain tumours in Canada is 25 new cases/100,000 population per year. Despite active research and advancement in glioma care, people living with primary brain tumours have high healthcare needs comparing to general population. It is estimated that the average brain tumor patient will make 52 visits to their specialty health care team within the first year of diagnosis. With growing regional population, improvement in survival rates, and limitations of health care resources, the quality improvement (QI) remains a strategic priority for the Neuro-Oncology Program, THP. Dedicated neuro-oncology registered nurse (RN) and nurse practitioner (NP) roles are integral to implementing and maintaining a high quality health care systems through innovation and policy development. The goal of neuro-oncology nursing team is to improve quality of health services by facilitating timely access to specialty care and creating pathways for provision of effective and efficient integrated care. The following QI project will result in positive outcomes for patients/families, providers, and health system.

Project aim: to reduce readmission rates by 50% by January 1, 2025 by integrating full scope RN and NP roles in Neuro-Oncology Program.
Methods: Model of Improvement.
Outcome measure: readmission rates.

Coffee, tea and light snacks will be served.
Thank you for visiting our sponsor booths!

Some neurological findings in infants and children can be subtle or dismissed as unimportant.  However, not addressing these findings can lead to unintended consequences as they grow older and even into adulthood. Symptoms of craniosynostosis, microcephaly/macrocephaly, brain tumors, and tethered cord syndrome can often be detected in infants and children, allowing early intervention and treatment.

This presentation will discuss four common neurological findings that could be dismissed in infants and young children yet lead to long term consequences if untreated: misshapen infant head, suspected premature closure of the anterior fontanel, headaches, and cutaneous lesions along the spine. These findings may not be related to the presenting diagnosis but are noted during the neurological examination and may surprise the examiner. This presentation will include case studies, pre-, post-, and intra-operative photographs, neurodiagnostic imaging, treatment, and outcomes.

Neuroscience nurses need to be aware of these neurological findings, particularly if they see infants or young children as part of their practice. Early recognition can alleviate parents’ anxiety, answer their questions, and provide treatment when necessary to prevent long term consequences.

Neuroscience nurses practice in diverse settings and in many of these settings encounter individuals who are at risk for, or experience seizures and epilepsy associated with their disease/ disorder. This 90-minute case-based, interactive workshop will provide an update on, and nursing considerations for, some common clinical conditions neuroscience nurses encounter that are associated with seizures/epilepsy.

Topics will include post-stroke epilepsy, tumour-related epilepsy, post-traumatic seizures/epilepsy, and status epilepticus. A case will be presented for each of these clinical scenarios; update on relevant best practices and literature will be reviewed; the impact on the individual, and nursing considerations will be incorporated. Interactive contribution/feedback from participants will be integrated throughout the session.

Migraine is the leading neurological disease worldwide, exerting a profound impact on disability rates and quality of life across various demographics. Recent years have seen significant strides in migraine treatment, driven by an enhanced understanding of its pathophysiology and the development of novel pharmacological approaches. Despite these advancements, the full potential of these new treatments has yet to be realized within everyday clinical settings. This shortfall underscores the essential role Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play in closing the gap in migraine management, leveraging their expertise to deliver comprehensive care.

The proposed presentation is aiming to update and refine the attendees’ approach to migraine management. The program is structured around three pillars: effective diagnosis of headache subtypes with strategies to prevent misdiagnosis, critical factors in the selection of preventive migraine treatments across diverse patient profiles, and a primer on the clinical application of CGRP antagonists, a novel class of migraine medications.

This presentation further seeks to empower healthcare providers with the latest insights and practical tools to integrate cutting-edge migraine treatments into their practice, ultimately enhancing patient care in the face of this challenging neurological disease. Attendees will gain foundational knowledge in the following areas: distinguishing migraine from secondary headache disorders; recognizing indication for preventive treatment; understanding new classes of migraine treatments, particularly CGRP antagonists; and navigating patient-centred access and preference variables.

Incoming and outgoing board members are requested to attend this short board of directors meeting.

Join us for a captivating social night at the Princess of Wales Theatre to experience the timeless classic, Les Misérables. Immerse yourself in the unforgettable tale of love, redemption, and revolution, as we gather for an evening filled with enchanting music and powerful performances. Don't miss this opportunity to indulge in a memorable theatrical experience with friends and fellow enthusiasts!
Ticket purchase required! (see Eventbrite for registration)

The buffet will be served as of 7:30. We ask that everybody be seated as of 8:15 to start the sponsored breakfast presentation.

Research has shown that the manner in which a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease (ALS/MND) is delivered is a source of discontent for many people living with the disease and their caregivers. This is not surprising given that conveying sensitive news to patients is an arduous and emotionally challenging task for healthcare professionals (HCPs), which many feel ill prepared for given the lack of medical training curricula devoted to this area.5,6 How to Break the News in ALS/MND: A Primer for Physicians and Allied Health Professionals has been designed to improve HCP comfort and confidence in this task by providing them with the skills required to deliver challenging news effectively. The program centers around the A–L S–PIKES protocol which uses well-established principles of communication and counselling that are aimed at improving patient quality of life and promoting the well-being of HCPs involved in the care and management of people living with ALS/MND.

This committee has voluntarily removed the word bad from the communication skill of delivering bad news in ALS/MND. Whereas there will always be an element of suffering and challenge when speaking of an ALS diagnosis and/or disease progression, qualifying this as only “bad” news could potentially prime all parties to “only” focus on the BAD components.

Coffee, tea and light snacks will be served.

TBA

The effects of poor sleep on human health are still being discovered and described. Dr Aimen Moussaddy and Gabriel Domocos will review the state of knowledge linking sleep and stroke.

Specifically, the interplay between sleep disordered breathing and ischemic stroke, the imporance of a stable circadian rhythm and restorative sleep on stroke recovery will be reviewed.

They will then describe initiatives for improving stroke patients' sleep Stroke Unit of the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro). Experiences with overnight oximetry and full spectrum light therapy will be described.

Have you been sleeping on stroke?

The objective of the lunch and learn are:

• Provide an overview of neuromuscular diseases, with particular attention to myopathies such as Pompe disease, focusing on the clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis considerations and patient management good practices
• Share more about the available testing options including enzymatic assays and genetic testing for neuromuscular diseases
• Highlight the role of Neurology nurses and supporting staff in recognizing the signs and symptoms of neuromuscular disease, facilitating early diagnosis, and guiding patients to early disease treatment

Background and Aims: With the recent expansion of the Neurovascular Unit at Toronto Western Hospital, there has been an influx of new nurses across the unit. Although the orientation process is comprehensive, there is still a significant knowledge gap that can affect patient care for those with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The literature suggests that developing clinical pathways can promote nursing competence and confidence. As a result, the authors set out to develop a clinical pathway for aSAH to improve patient care and support nurses.

Methods: An extensive review of current best practice standards was used to develop a clinical pathway for aSAH. During development of this clinical pathway, the authors worked closely with the unit manager, advanced practice nurse educator, neurosurgery nurse practitioners, and nurses on the Neurovascular Unit to ensure transferability. After a rigorous review, the clinical pathway was made accessible to staff. The efficacy of this pathway will be evaluated with a pre- and post-survey.

Results: Based on the pre- and post-survey, results related to nursing competence and confidence will be published at a later date. The authors anticipate that the clinical pathway for aSAH should not only improve patient care, but improve the ability of nurses to advocate for patients with aSAH.

Conclusion: In the above quality improvement initiative, the authors sought to improve patient care and support nurses by developing a clinical pathway for aSAH. Future objectives include the development of clinical pathways for other neurovascular disorders in the future.

Particularly in the Western world, the medicalization of death and dying has resulted in a loss of individual, family and community-based knowledge and skills when confronted with and living through these inevitable parts of life. Over the past few decades there has been a world-wide grassroots movement – often referred to as the “death awareness” or “death positive” movement – striving to reclaim and humanize these stages of the human experience. One component of this movement is death cafes.

Confucius is credited with saying that each of has two lives - the second one beginning when we truly understand that we only have one. The primary purpose of death cafes is consciousness-raising about how temporary each of our lives is. Death cafes can help to “dismantle the silence that reigns over the topic of death” (Fong, 2019). Typically, death cafes are ‘pop up events” held in respectful and confidential spaces. There is no goal of directing or leading people to any conclusions or courses of action. Cake must be served. (Miles & Corr, 2017).

In this workshop participants will:

• Become familiar with terms like death literacy and death competency. 
• Engage in a facilitated dialogue about death, dying, and bereavement
• Explore personal and systemic barriers to discussing end-of-life issues

Neuropalliative care aims to address the needs of patients with life-limiting neurologic disease. Although the goals of palliative care are to enhance quality of life until death, conventional palliative care approaches are not a good fit for patients with neurologic disease (Sofronas & Wright, 2021). According to the WHO, patients with neurologic disease face stigma, discrimination, and health inequities due to functional changes, chronic pain and other challenging symptom management (2006), and these become more pronounced with disease progression. Care planning and provision bring about many ethical dilemmas for clinical teams.

This workshop outlines the development of neuropalliative care, reviewing why conventional palliative care approaches are not well suited to patients living with serious neurologic disease. We also review approaches to ethical dilemmas and moral reasoning, focusing specifically on the needs of patients with life-limiting neurologic disease and on nursing practice. We then apply these principles in a group discussion of clinical cases.

The Objectives of this workshop are:
1. Become familiar with principles of the palliative approach and neuropalliative care.
2. Review ethical principles and moral reasoning strategies.
3. Apply this knowledge in a discussion of clinical cases.

Background: Generalized Myasthenia gravis (gMG) is a rare autoimmune disease mediated by antibodies- AchR, MuSK, LRP4, etc. While there are multiple medications used to treat gMG, up to 20% of patients are refractory to these treatments resulting in frequent hospitalizations for acute exacerbations, long-lasting side effects from medications, and reduced quality of life. Newer treatment options with novel molecules now focuses on having a more targeted effect, with a higher safety and efficacy profile known to improve disease control. Understanding how these medications work in gMG, the adverse effects, and how to access these treatments are important for nurses who care for these patients.

Methods: Using 3 case studies, the treatment of gMG is discussed to demonstrate the rationale, appropriateness, and potential adverse effects of current and newer treatment options.

Results: While new treatments for gMG are promising, standard therapies such as Pyridostigmine, immune suppressants and modulators, such as prednisone and immunoglobulin, or plasmapheresis remain common treatment options for the majority of gMG patients. Funding for newer treatments challenges most if not all patients to date. Lobbying efforts with government and private insurance companies are ongoing, creating hope for improved MG care.

Conclusions: Generalized Myasthenia gravis remains difficult to treat, yet new treatment options allow patients to embrace the hope that one day there will be a cure for their disease.

Background: Media plays a critical role in people’s lives. It shapes people’s perceptions of healthcare and health policy. Nurses are the largest occupational group in healthcare, playing a pivotal role in caring for and promoting the well-being of populations. As the most trusted profession for 20 years, nurses are uniquely positioned to educate the public through media presence. However, nurses are seldom sourced in the media, deeming them healthcare’s invisible partner.

Method/Material: Using the 10 media competencies for nurses identified in Myers et al.’s Delphia study (2022), media engagement is introduced in three sections: uses and benefits of media, necessary media skills, and developing a media plan. Participants explore interview preparedness through situational framing and developing key messages, including a quotable sound bite. The skill is reinforced by critiquing pre-recorded interviews.

Results: Media competency training provides nurses with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to engage with the media to improve population health. Neuroscience nurses who receive media training will be equipped to improve the quality of neuroscience health stories while increasing the visibility of nursing’s impact on patients.

Conclusions: Nurses are integral to healthcare and the education of the public on topics to improve population health. What is seen in the media is what is deemed valuable. The more nurses are sourced in the media, the more perceived value nursing brings. A more knowledgeable and healthier population is possible when the media provides the public with health news coverage, including the nurse's voice.

Join us as CANN will hand out awards to deserving members and the conference committee announces the abstract award.

WFNN will be announcing the recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary International Nurses in Neuroscience.

The CANN Saskatchewan chapter will introduce the 2025 conference location and dates.