ECTRIMS’ annual focused workshops bring together global experts in neurology to discuss relevant and timely topics of interest in MS clinical research and treatment. Participation is by invitation only. The outcomes from these programmes are often published in an internationally recognised journal.
Aims of the workshop:
ECTRIMS has hosted a number of Focused Workshops since 2013.
The workshop aimed to produce practical guidance for clinicians, patients & healthcare payers from the review of evidence & expert consensus recommendations. It served as a forum for key opinion leaders in the neurological and haematological communities across Europe to share professional/scientific developments and updates. The workshop was also expected to lead to published articles with high potential to influence and improve clinical practice & healthcare policy development.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 8th Focused Workshop was held digitally for the first time. The workshop was originally scheduled to take place in Tel Aviv, Israel in 2020. A week full of interesting workshops and live sessions was organised.
The workshop was aimed at improving our understanding of the role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Many studies pertaining to this subject have been conducted in animal models of human disease. However, the results of many animal studies did not translate well in human multiple sclerosis. This may relate to a lack of appropriate models or species differences. A group of leading experts in the immunology of multiple sclerosis delivered a series of presentations on this issue.
The incidence and prevalence of MS along with the cost and complexity of its management are increasing, warranting a new MS clinical management paradigm. The use of new technologies allows different ways of communication and intervention that may increase equity, effectiveness, perception of quality of care, and cost optimisation. The latest scientific knowledge and clinical practice in this area were discussed.