WCD Topic 3: Patient Advocacy

In addition to the medical team, the patient needs strong support from their families, support groups and researchers. This session will feature a presentation from individuals in each of these areas who will provide their perspective on impact the challenges of dealing with coma.

Family Story: Struggles of family advocacy : Patient’s mother, Varina Boerwinkle (USA)

Education: Support groups’ perspective on impact on public health and societal challenges : Christine Buckley (USA), Elchanan Schwarz (USA)

Researchers: Researchers’ perspective on impact on public health and societal challenges: Steven Laureys (Belgium)