HORATIO CONGRESS MALMO SWEDEN 2024 Lisa Douglas Team Liaison Nurse St Patrick's Mental Health Services.
The Horatio Congress was held in Malmö, Sweden, in May this year. Nurses from 21 European countries presented their research to advance the field of mental health nursing. The theme of courage, communication, and collaboration in challenging times was evident throughout the poster presentations, keynote speeches, and research discussions.
Lisa Douglas Team Liaison Nurse with St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, was one of the PNA bursary winners. She presented an academic poster with the title, ‘Developing an Innovative Model for Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder in an Irish Mental health Setting: A Scoping Review’. The poster was submitted as part of her thesis submission for MSc. in leadership and Innovation in healthcare with the RCSI. The research findings have been used to inform the conceptual stages for the introduction of VRET in St Patricks Mental Health Services.
HORATIO CONGRESS MALMO SWEDEN 2024 Michelle O' Donohue candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner Liaison Psychiatry St Vincent's University Hospital
I really enjoyed the Horatio Congress in Malmo. I was struck during my time there by the wealth of knowledge, insight and strength that psychiatric nurses across Europe have and it was a pleasure to be given the opportunity to learn from everyone there. The key note speakers were diverse and gave lots of insight into people and professional's experiences of mental health supports. The opportunity to network was wide and I have made some connections nationally and internationally that will stand to me moving forward in my professional development. I am very grateful to the PNA for providing the opportunity to attend and I am hopeful to attend future Horatio Congress Events.
HORATIO CONGRESS MALMO SWEDEN 2024 Vivien Umama - Agada Dublin North Mental Health Services
Horatio 2024 was an unforgettable experience for me. I enjoyed meeting with people who share the same vision of initiating, promoting and delivering evidence based, safe and effective person centred psychiatric care for people living with mental health difficulties.
At the conference, I was given the opportunity to present a research study, which was in fulfilment of the successful completion of my master’s degree. The execution of my research study was fulfilled under the guidance and supervision of Dr Michael Nash from the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Trinity College Dublin.
To the PNA I am extremely grateful for their sponsorship and support provided throughout the duration of the conference
Furthermore, I got to explore two fascinating countries (Sweden and Denmark). The culture and food of both countries were incredible. I also appreciated the time I spent with my colleagues from Ireland and other European countries as we created new bonds and formed friendships.
The overall experience was amazing and I hope to apply the knowledge gained in my own clinical practice.
I would recommend this experience to other psychiatric nurses and I myself look forward to being part of more Horatio conferences.
HORATIO CONGRESS MALMO SWEDEN 2024 - Fionnuala Killoury Assistant Director of Nursing Mid West Mental Health Services PhD Student
In May of 2024, I attended the Horatio Congress Conference in the beautiful city of Malmo. This two- day event showcased what it means to be a Mental Health Nurse today. The theme of the conference was Courage, Communication and Collaboration in Challenging times. Undoubtedly, this was incorporated into each of the presentations. It was an exceptionally well- organised, informative and professional event.
At the conference, I had the opportunity to listen to unique insights and experiences from Mr. Klas Bergling and also Ms. Jenny Wetterling, which were the highlights of my personal experience. The conference programme was exceptional and each presentation I attended was highly captivating and enlightening.
It was a pleasure to interact with colleagues from Ireland and elsewhere in both professional and social contexts in order to exchange information, experiences and advancements. The Horatio Congress and the Swedish Nurses Association are to be thanked for this social and professional interaction and the Psychiatric Nurses Association in Ireland must be acknowledged for their contribution to and support of such a positive event.
I extend my congratulations to the newly elected president of Horatio, Ms. Aisling Culhane, and wish her continued success. It is a pleasure to have an individual of her calibre, passion and expertise on this European stage.
Thank you,
Fionnuala Killoury
