MS Services - The Way Forward

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 03 Nov 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of disability in young adults. People diagnosed with MS need specialist advice and support throughout what is a life long condition. Successful management requires input from both specialist neurology staff within the secondary sector as well as ongoing support from the primary care teams.

World class commissioning for MS is a noble aim, but requires knowledge of a complex process, which is not always readily available to Primary Care Trusts and commissioners.

The MS Trust is therefore delighted to announce the launch today of an MS commissioning pathway, designed to simplify the process and enable commissioners to provide effective commissioning for MS. Produced in partnership with all the major organisations with MS expertise, and based in the 18-week software used by the DH for other pathways, it provides information on the requirements for MS commissioning from diagnosis to death.

The MS commissioning pathway includes red flags for critical assessment in the disease progression, identification points where the clock starts and stops to meet targets and indicates the links between primary, secondary and tertiary providers of care. Primary Care Trusts can localise the pathway to suit their specific requirements.

Commenting on the project Nicola Russell, Director of Services of the MS Trust said: "This pathway has been produced following consultation with all the major parties and we are hopeful that it will be the key to successful commissioning in the future. We are especially grateful to the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Nursing, Pathways for Health, commissioners, health professionals, and the MS Society for their help with its production. "

To view the MS commissioning pathway visit: http://www.mstrust.org.uk/pathway

MS Trust

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