Building a Functional Neurological Disorder Program: Finding Solutions to Common Obstacles

Abstract: We describe efforts to systematically improve care delivery and outcomes in patients with functional neurological disorder (FND) via the creation of a program that allows the delivery of comprehensive clinical care, backed by administrative support. Collaborative efforts are necessary to develop an efficient, effective, long-term, and sustainable program. The creation of multi-site clinic service agreements, electronic medical records templates, multidisciplinary meetings, and trainee and staff education aids in guaranteeing the reliability and impact on patient care, outcomes, and knowledge in the FND field. We review barriers encountered in the process of creating a program and describe solutions to enable a system that builds bridges to integrate whole-person care for patients with FND. The success of a multidisciplinary program relies on a systems approach, administrative coordination, team communication, defined roles, and initiative and oversight by a site champion, for a focus on each patient as an individual and on continuity of care. The FND program also established an educational path to train clinicians and encourage interdisciplinary clinical research in the field and programmatic evaluation.