A Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis Providing Evidence Based Practice
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition that often requires a multidisciplinary approach to assessment and treatment. People with MS, seen in an outpatient clinic, were making multiple trips to be seen by different professionals. To have a more patient focussed assessment and treatment approach a clinic was established to coordinate services. Patients now come for one assessment visit and see several disciplines. If treatment needs are identified the patient then sees the appropriate therapist on a one on one basis at a later visit. The establishment of the MS Clinic saw it receive an award for quality and innovation. The clinic is continuously being evaluated and improved as the aim is to provide the best value service to people with MS in the hospitals catchment area. As part of the review process we have introduced more specific questionnaires for the patient population and we can plot a persons changes over time using a specially designed database. We are building up data for evidence based practice, with the results being used to further improve the service that we provide. We also have very strong links with community providers of services and also with the two MS societies. Representatives from the societies are present on clinic days to provide support and information. Information on the MS Clinic will be presented, along with the results of a consumer survey and evidence that dedicated clinics provide a valued service to people with a neurological condition.