A multi‐district model for the management of disease‐modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

This paper’s objective is to develop a model for the appropriate and equitable use of disease‐modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis. The prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis was established in Leeds. A specialist multiple sclerosis team with two consultant neurologists and a multiple sclerosis support nurse was based at one centre. The team co‐operated with purchasers to develop a model of care. This included a referral protocol, strict prescribing criteria, counselling and education of patients, the use of patient‐centred outcome measures and training and feedback to other neurologists. A total of 217 people with multiple sclerosis were assessed from April 1997 to March 2000. Our experience suggests that a centralised multi‐district clinic developed by close collaboration between clinicians and health purchasers and operating under agreed rules is a feasible and effective model for the managed introduction of new treatments to the NHS.

Citation

Ford, H.L., Johnson, M. and Fear, J. (2002), "A multi‐district model for the management of disease‐modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis", British Journal of Clinical Governance, Vol. 7 No. 4, pp. 267-272. https://doi.org/10.1108/14664100210446650