Research from IJMSC August 2024

Here's the latest multidisciplinary multiple sclerosis (MS) research from the International Journal of MS Care.

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An expert scientific advisory panel of clinical nurse practitioners (CNPs) from different European nations convened by Viatris in 2022 report that CNPs are essential for MS management, coordinating comprehensive care, providing education, and supporting both patients and caregivers; however, their roles and training vary widely across the country. Thus, they emphasized the need for a European consensus on CNP competencies, which would unify care standards, improve patient outcomes, and facilitate collaboration among health care professionals.

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The study by Gann et al highlights the potential of integrating technology into MS rehabilitation practices for MS, addressing both mobility challenges and patient engagement. Over an 8-week intervention, participants engaged in remote functional electrical stimulation sessions that included performance-based mobility tests and self-reported quality of life measures. The results indicated significant improvements in walking speed and endurance, as well as enhanced participant satisfaction with the telerehabilitation process.

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This study from Denmark on multidisciplinary rehabilitation organized its cohort with MS into 5 main rehab focus areas: resilience, cognitive function, energy, physical function, and personal needs. Across the 5 areas, tailored interventions resulted in significant improvements in Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis (FAMS) scores, demonstrating the effectiveness of tailored rehabilitation interventions. Beginning the rehab process by identifying patient needs and setting rehabilitation goals enhances outcomes.

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This study from the John A. Schafer, MD Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center in California showed that a day wellness program generated significant improvements in quality of life, especially in physical activity and social engagement. Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted gains in self-efficacy and social engagement, participants maintained physical activity through virtual classes. The findings underscore the value of in-person wellness activities and suggest a need for further evaluation to see if quality-of-life improvements can be sustained.

Come back next month for more research from the IJMSC community or check out our website for the latest at any time.