International Forum of Headache Nurses (IFHN) & Spanish Society for Neurology Nursing (SEDENE)
Headache Nurse Congress, Barcelona, May 23rd & 24th 2024
On May 23rd and 24th 2024, the International Forum of Headache Nurses (IFHN), in conjunction with the Spanish Society for Neurology Nursing (SEDENE), held their annual educational congress at the University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain. This meeting was very successful with more than 40 Headache/Migraine nurses attending from seven different countries, with one of our colleagues travelling from Osaka, Japan.
The two-day meeting began with a tour of the clinical areas of the Headache Unit at Hospital Vall d’Hebron, led by Dr Patricia Pozo-Rosich, Consultant Neurologist and Director of the unit. This was followed by welcome remarks from Lali Gine (Headache Nurse host & coordinator of the meeting), who then introduced the five speakers for day one. The first four speakers were from the Headache Unit at Hospital Vall d’Hebron and the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research. Their various presentations outlined key areas of nursing care and different aspects of Headache Medicine at their centre.
The first speaker was Ms Marta Vila and she spoke about preclinical models in rodents. It is postulated that such work can help us understand more about the pathophysiology of migraine in humans. Projects at their laboratory are focussing on genetics, neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies.
Dr Pozo-Rosich then gave a more general talk about Headache burden globally and management strategies for patients in Spain. She highlighted the significant disability, economic loss and disruption to daily life as a result of migraine. She spoke of the importance of education of various healthcare professionals or HCP (including Neurologists, other Physicians and Nurses) and patients, with the primary goal being improvement of the quality of life of patients suffering from headache disorders. As is the case in many specialist centres internationally, there is a multidisciplinary approach to Headache Medicine in Spain. Dr Pozo-Rosich paid tribute to her headache nursing team (and in particular Ms Lali Gine) and emphasised the significant value and important role that specialist headache nurses have in patient care.
Dr Edoardo Caronna (Consultant Neurologist) gave a more research focussed presentation titled “Innovation and Research”. He outlined the importance of basic laboratory research and real-world clinical evidence-based research in the ever-evolving world of Headache Medicine. He presented a summary of the more recent data on CGRP pathway inhibitors and cited several papers which help guide clinical practice at many of our centres internationally.
Ms Lali Gine then gave a clinical presentation describing the role of the Headache Nurse in Spain and how this role is growing and evolving. She spoke specifically about the work of SEDENE, who are trying to improve education and training for Headache Nurses nationally. It was very positive to hear how many neurologists across Spain are supporting this nursing initiative. A multidisciplinary approach to clinical care was also highlighted in her presentation and she specifically outlined how permanent experienced specialist nurses can lead patient care together with all other relevant HCP.
Ms Annette Rasmussen (Headache Specialist Nurse, Denmark) then delivered the International Forum of Headache Nurses (IFHN) Annual Report. The IFHN now has over 200 members from around the world and this number is growing annually. She spoke about the invaluable specialist skills that Headache Nurses bring to patient care. It is noteworthy that the European Headache Federation (EHF) has now invited the IFHN to present a nursing information session at their Meeting in Rotterdam in December 2024.
At the end of the presentations on day one, Ms Lali Gine invited the entire group to dinner that night and this was enjoyed by all who attended. It gave an excellent opportunity for socialising and networking informally.
On day two, the first presentation was by Dr Adela Zabalegui (Advanced Nurse Practitioner Tutor and National Representative). She spoke about the clinical role of Nurse Specialists and Advanced Nurse Practitioners in Spain. She described the advances that have been made in nursing, and the impact that specialist nurses and those working in advanced practice can have on patient care. Dr Zabalegui also highlighted the need for more national resources and support so that Headache Nurse Specialists and Advanced Nurse Practitioners continue to be recognised and encouraged.
Ms Jennifer Trouerbach (Headache Specialist Nurse, Netherlands) and Ms Annette Rasmussen led the next session exploring what the ideal headache nurse model should be in terms of staffing and the nursing roles. A round table small group session followed thereafter. Representatives from each group spoke about what they felt were the most important roles of the headache nurse with education, knowledge, active listening and empathy being some of the areas highlighted.
Finally, Ms Trouerbach, Ms Rasmussen, Ms Gine and Ms Gravdahl (Headache Specialist Nurse, Norway) presented some interesting and challenging clinical cases and case reports. The participants discussed the case reports in small mixed groups and interesting discussions followed on stage with one representative from each group in plenary setting.
The meeting closed at lunchtime and special thanks was given to Ms Lali Gine, Dr Pozo-Rosich and all the Headache Team at Hospital Vall d’Hebron, for their work in organizing a very educational and rewarding meeting that was enjoyed by all who attended. A special word of thanks was given to the Board of the International Forum of Headache Nurses (IFHN): Jennifer Trouerbach, Annette Rasmussen, Gøril Bruvik Gravdahl, Esther Tomkins (Headache Specialist Nurse, Ireland) and Susie Lagrata (Advanced Headache Nurse Practitioner, UK) for their support in coordinating the meeting.
IFHN 