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Fernández Ó, Sörensen PS, Comi G, Vermersch P, Hartung HP, Leocani L, Berger T, Van Wijmeersch B, Oreja-Guevara C. Managing multiple sclerosis in individuals aged 55 and above: a comprehensive review. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379538. [PMID: 38646534 PMCID: PMC11032020 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) management in individuals aged 55 and above presents unique challenges due to the complex interaction between aging, comorbidities, immunosenescence, and MS pathophysiology. This comprehensive review explores the evolving landscape of MS in older adults, including the increased incidence and prevalence of MS in this age group, the shift in disease phenotypes from relapsing-remitting to progressive forms, and the presence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. We aim to provide an updated review of the available evidence of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) in older patients, including the efficacy and safety of existing therapies, emerging treatments such as Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTKs) inhibitors and those targeting remyelination and neuroprotection, and the critical decisions surrounding the initiation, de-escalation, and discontinuation of DMTs. Non-pharmacologic approaches, including physical therapy, neuromodulation therapies, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychotherapy, are also examined for their role in holistic care. The importance of MS Care Units and advance care planning are explored as a cornerstone in providing patient-centric care, ensuring alignment with patient preferences in the disease trajectory. Finally, the review emphasizes the need for personalized management and continuous monitoring of MS patients, alongside advocating for inclusive study designs in clinical research to improve the management of this growing patient demographic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar Fernández
- Departament of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine; Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga (IBIMA), Regional University Hospital of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology and Pediatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Per Soelberg Sörensen
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Copenhagen and Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giancarlo Comi
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Multiple Sclerosis Centre Casa di Cura Igea, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrick Vermersch
- Univ. Lille, Inserm U1172 LilNCog, CHU Lille, FHU Precise, Lille, France
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Center, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Letizia Leocani
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Multiple Sclerosis Centre Casa di Cura Igea, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bart Van Wijmeersch
- University MS Centre, Hasselt-Pelt, Belgium
- Rehabilitation and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Noorderhart Hospitals, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Celia Oreja-Guevara
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Exploring Health and Premature Mortality of Wheelchair Users from a Medical and a Greek-Orthodox Perspective. RELIGIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rel13070636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Wheelchair users have a lower life expectancy compared to the general population. This project aims to provide a deeper understanding of the interaction between physical, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that affect the mortality and health of this target group. The methods used were qualitative. Data from phenomenological interviews, questionnaires, medical reports, and existing literature were composed to develop a grounded theory depicting the overall health of wheelchair users. The research team explored death causes, risk factors of premature death, and contributors that affect risk factors. In the discussion, we explored and analyzed specific patterns of interaction of the factors in the data and other research projects. Moreover, we attempted to analyze these patterns through the viewpoint of the Greek-Orthodox tradition. In general, the project confirmed previous research findings. The most common death causes seemed to be heart attacks and cancer. These seemed to be affected mainly by obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy lifestyle, and inadequate preventive healthcare. Spiritual practices based on the Greek-Orthodox tradition are suggested as ways of management. The conclusions can be useful not only to health and social care professionals and clerics, but also wheelchair users themselves.
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De Panfilis L, Veronese S, Bruzzone M, Cascioli M, Gajofatto A, Grasso MG, Kruger P, Lugaresi A, Manson L, Montepietra S, Patti F, Pucci E, Solaro C, Giordano A, Solari A. Study protocol on advance care planning in multiple sclerosis (ConCure-SM): intervention construction and multicentre feasibility trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e052012. [PMID: 34389580 PMCID: PMC8365819 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of progressive neurological disability in young adults. The use of advance care planning (ACP) for people with progressive MS (pwPMS) remains limited. The ConCure-SM project aims to assess the effectiveness of a structured ACP intervention for pwPMS. The intervention consists of a training programme on ACP for healthcare professionals caring for pwPMS, and a booklet to be used during the ACP conversation. Herein, we describe the first two project phases. METHODS In phase 1 we translated and adapted, to the Italian legislation and MS context, the ACP booklet of the National ACP Programme for New Zealand. Acceptability, comprehensibility and usefulness of the booklet were assessed via 13 personal cognitive interviews with pwPMS and significant others (SOs), and one health professional focus group. Based on these findings, we will revise the booklet. In phase 2 we will conduct a single-arm pilot/feasibility trial with nested qualitative study. Participants will be 40 pwPMS, their SOs, health professionals from six MS and rehabilitation centres in Italy. In the 6 months following the ACP conversation, we will assess completion of an advance care plan document (primary outcome), as well as safety of the intervention. Secondary outcomes will be a range of measures to capture the full process of ACP; patient-carer congruence in treatment preferences; quality of patient-clinician communication and caregiver burden. A qualitative process evaluation will help understand the factors likely to influence future implementation and scalability of the intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The project is coleaded by a neurologist and a bioethicist. Phase 1 has received ethical approvals from each participating centre, while phase 2 will be submitted to the centres in May 2021. Findings from both phases will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and workshops. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN48527663; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marta Cascioli
- Hospice "La Torre sul Colle", USL Umbria 2, Spoleto (PG), Italy
| | - Alberto Gajofatto
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Unit of Neurology, Borgo Roma Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Paola Kruger
- EUPATI Fellow (European Patients Academy for Therapeutic Innovation) Italy, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lugaresi
- UOSI Riabilitazione Sclerosi Multipla, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leigh Manson
- New Zealand Health Quality and Safety Commission, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - Sara Montepietra
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesco Patti
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, University Hospital Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Solaro
- Department of Rehabilitation, M.L. Novarese Hospital, Moncrivello (VC), Italy
| | - Andrea Giordano
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Solari
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
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Solari A, Giordano A, Sastre-Garriga J, Köpke S, Rahn AC, Kleiter I, Aleksovska K, Battaglia MA, Bay J, Copetti M, Drulovic J, Kooij L, Mens J, Murillo ERM, Milanov I, Milo R, Pekmezovic T, Vosburgh J, Silber E, Veronese S, Patti F, Voltz R, Oliver DJ. EAN Guideline on Palliative Care of People with Severe, Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:1426-1443. [PMID: 32469284 PMCID: PMC7583337 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Patients with severe, progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) have complex physical and psychosocial needs, typically over several years. Few treatment options are available to prevent or delay further clinical worsening in this population. The objective was to develop an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the palliative care of patients with severe, progressive MS. Methods: This guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Formulation of the clinical questions was performed in the Patients-Intervention-Comparator-Outcome format, involving patients, carers and healthcare professionals (HPs). No uniform definition of severe MS exists: in this guideline, constant bilateral support required to walk 20 m without resting (Expanded Disability Status Scale score >6.0) or higher disability is referred to. When evidence was lacking for this population, recommendations were formulated using indirect evidence or good practice statements were devised. Results: Ten clinical questions were formulated. They encompassed general and specialist palliative care, advance care planning, discussing with HPs the patient's wish to hasten death, symptom management, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, interventions for caregivers and interventions for HPs. A total of 34 recommendations (33 weak, 1 strong) and seven good practice statements were devised. Conclusions: The provision of home-based palliative care (either general or specialist) is recommended with weak strength for patients with severe, progressive MS. Further research on the integration of palliative care and MS care is needed. Areas that currently lack evidence of efficacy in this population include advance care planning, the management of symptoms such as fatigue and mood problems, and interventions for caregivers and HPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Solari
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Giordano
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Jaume Sastre-Garriga
- Department of Neurology/Neuroimmunology, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Germany
| | - Sascha Köpke
- Institute of Clinical Nursing Science, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne C. Rahn
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Kleiter
- Marianne-Strauß-Klinik, Behandlungszentrum Kempfenhausen für Multiple Sklerose Kranke gGmbH, Berg, Germany
| | | | | | - Jette Bay
- Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, People with MS Advisory Committee, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Massimiliano Copetti
- Unit of Biostatistics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Jelena Drulovic
- Clinic of Neurology, CCS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - John Mens
- Nieuw Unicum, Zandvoort, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin R. Meza Murillo
- Department of Neurology/Neuroimmunology, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Germany
| | | | - Ron Milo
- Department of Neurology, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | | | | | - Eli Silber
- Department of Neurology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Francesco Patti
- Neurology Clinic, Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University Hospital Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - Raymond Voltz
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Health Services Research (ZVFK), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - David J. Oliver
- The Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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A realist review of advance care planning for people with multiple sclerosis and their families. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240815. [PMID: 33064749 PMCID: PMC7567361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Advance care planning (ACP) is reported to improve the quality of outcomes of care among those with life-limiting conditions. However, uptake is low among people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and little is known about why or how people with MS engage in this process of decision-making. Aims To develop and refine an initial theory on engagement in ACP for people with MS and to identify ways to improve its uptake for those who desire it. Methods Realist review following published protocol and reporting following Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Synthesis: Evolving Standards (RAMESES) guidelines. A multi-disciplinary team searched MEDLINE, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar in addition to other sources from inception to August 2019. Quantitative or qualitative studies, case reports, and opinion or discussion articles related to ACP and/or end of life discussions in the context of MS were included, as well as one article on physical disability and one on motor neuron disease, that contributed important contextual information. Researchers independently screened abstracts and extracted data from full-text articles. Using abductive and retroductive analysis, each article was examined for evidence to support or refute ‘context, mechanism, and outcome’ (CMO) hypotheses, using the Integrated Behaviour Model to guide theory development. Quality was assessed according to methodological rigour and relevance of evidence. Those studies providing rich descriptions were synthesised using a realist matrix to identify commonalities across CMO configurations. Results Of the 4,034 articles identified, 33 articles were included in the synthesis that supported six CMO hypotheses that identified contexts and mechanisms underpinning engagement in ACP for people with MS and included: acceptance of their situation, prior experiences, confidence, empowerment, fear (of being a burden, of death and of dying) and the desire for autonomy. Acceptance of self as a person with a life-limiting illness was imperative as it enabled people with MS to see ACP as pertinent to them. We identified the context of MS—its long, uncertain disease trajectory with periods of stability punctuated by crisis—inhibited triggering of mechanisms. Similarly, the absence of skills and confidence in advanced communication skills among health professionals prevented possibilities for ACP discussions taking place. Conclusion Although mechanisms are inhibited by the context of MS, health professionals can facilitate greater uptake of ACP among those people with MS who want it by developing their skills in communication, building trusting relationships, sharing accurate prognostic information and sensitively discussing death and dying.
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6
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Bužgová R, Kozáková R, Bar M, Škutová M, Ressner P, Bártová P. The Attitudes of Progressive Neurological Disease Patients and Their Family Members to End of Life Care: A Cross-Sectional Study. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2020; 85:4-22. [PMID: 32571138 DOI: 10.1177/0030222820936922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to identify the attitudes of progressive neurological disease (PND) patients and their family members regarding end-of-life care, and their worries about dying. The sample included 327 participants. The Attitudes of Patients with PND to End-of-Life Care questionnaire was used to collect the data. Statistically significant differences in the assessment of attitudes towards end-of-life care between patients and family members were identified (p < 0.001). Family members more frequently favored patients being kept alive at any cost; patients more commonly wished to have their end of life under control. Respondents most frequently deferred to doctors when it came to decisions on treatment to keep patients alive. However, both patients and family members wanted patients to be able to decide on their treatment by leaving a written record of their previously stated wishes. The demands of patients and their families regarding end-of-life care should be documented in individual care plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radka Bužgová
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Kozáková
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Bar
- Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Škutová
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.,Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Ressner
- Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Bártová
- Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
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7
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Solari A, Giordano A, Sastre-Garriga J, Köpke S, Rahn AC, Kleiter I, Aleksovska K, Battaglia MA, Bay J, Copetti M, Drulovic J, Kooij L, Mens J, Meza Murillo ER, Milanov I, Milo R, Pekmezovic T, Vosburgh J, Silber E, Veronese S, Patti F, Voltz R, Oliver D. EAN guideline on palliative care of people with severe, progressive multiple sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:1510-1529. [PMID: 32469447 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Patients with severe, progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) have complex physical and psychosocial needs, typically over several years. Few treatment options are available to prevent or delay further clinical worsening in this population. The objective was to develop an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the palliative care of patients with severe, progressive MS. METHODS This guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Formulation of the clinical questions was performed in the Patients-Intervention-Comparator-Outcome format, involving patients, carers and healthcare professionals (HPs). No uniform definition of severe MS exists: in this guideline, constant bilateral support required to walk 20 m without resting (Expanded Disability Status Scale score > 6.0) or higher disability is referred to. When evidence was lacking for this population, recommendations were formulated using indirect evidence or good practice statements were devised. RESULTS Ten clinical questions were formulated. They encompassed general and specialist palliative care, advance care planning, discussing with HPs the patient's wish to hasten death, symptom management, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, interventions for caregivers and interventions for HPs. A total of 34 recommendations (33 weak, 1 strong) and seven good practice statements were devised. CONCLUSIONS The provision of home-based palliative care (either general or specialist) is recommended with weak strength for patients with severe, progressive MS. Further research on the integration of palliative care and MS care is needed. Areas that currently lack evidence of efficacy in this population include advance care planning, the management of symptoms such as fatigue and mood problems, and interventions for caregivers and HPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Solari
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - A Giordano
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - J Sastre-Garriga
- Department of Neurology/Neuroimmunology, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Köpke
- Institute of Clinical Nursing Science, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A C Rahn
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - I Kleiter
- Marianne-Strauß-Klinik, Behandlungszentrum Kempfenhausen für Multiple Sklerose Kranke gGmbH, Berg, Germany
| | | | - M A Battaglia
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - J Bay
- Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, People with MS Advisory Committee, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Copetti
- Unit of Biostatistics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - J Drulovic
- Clinic of Neurology, CCS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - L Kooij
- Nieuw Unicum, Zandvoort, The Netherlands
| | - J Mens
- Nieuw Unicum, Zandvoort, The Netherlands
| | - E R Meza Murillo
- Department of Neurology/Neuroimmunology, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Milanov
- Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - R Milo
- Department of Neurology, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - T Pekmezovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - J Vosburgh
- Israel Multiple Sclerosis Society, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - E Silber
- Department of Neurology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - S Veronese
- FARO Charitable Foundation, Turin, Italy
| | - F Patti
- Neurology Clinic, Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University Hospital Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - R Voltz
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Health Services Research (ZVFK), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - D Oliver
- The Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
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Follow-Ups with callers of a palliative and hospice care hotline for severely affected multiple sclerosis patients: Evaluation of its impact. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 42:102079. [PMID: 32315978 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative and Hospice Care (PHC) focuses on improving quality of life for anyone who has a serious illness. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients have significant PHC needs, yet PHC still mostly attends to cancer patients. The implemented and evaluated nationwide PHC-MS hotline (Strupp et al., 2017) appeared to provide a useful service to patients. OBJECTIVES Prospective follow-up study to evaluate the impact of the hotline and analyse challenges and possible barriers to integrating PHC services. METHODS Information on implementing PHC services was gathered through follow-up hotline consultations utilising a standardised documentary sheet. Data was analysed descriptively and several individual cases are presented. RESULTS Of 303 calls to the hotline (54.5% female, mean age 51 years, 87.7% chronic progressive MS, mean duration of illness 17 years, median EDSS 8), for 84 (27.7%) PHC services were indicated. Of these 84 patients, 32 agreed to follow-up calls which were conducted at least once. For 6 (19%) patients, PHC service integration was successful. For 5 (16%) PHC was refused. For 5 (16%) PHC did not fit current patient needs, and for 7 (22%) PHC has not yet been contacted by patients (or caregivers). For a further 9 (28%) follow-ups revealed that no more consultation was possible (e.g., caller lost to follow-up). CONCLUSION The PHC approach and its services as well as legislation are still highly focused on cancer care, although patients with long-term neurological conditions would likely benefit greatly from them.
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9
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Strupp J, Groebe B, Knies A, Mai M, Voltz R, Golla H. Evaluation of a palliative and hospice care telephone hotline for patients severely affected by multiple sclerosis and their caregivers. Eur J Neurol 2017; 24:1518-1524. [PMID: 28926157 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Palliative and hospice care (PHC) still mainly focuses on patients with cancer. In order to connect patients severely affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) and caregivers to PHC, a nationwide hotline was implemented to facilitate access to PHC. METHODS The hotline was designed in cooperation with the German Multiple Sclerosis Society. Self-disclosed information given by callers was documented using case-report forms supplemented by personal notes. Data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS A total of 222 calls were documented in 27 months. The patients' mean age was 51.12 years (range 27-84 years) and mean illness duration was 18 years (range 1 month to 50 years). Inquiries included information on PHC (28.8%) and access to PHC (due to previous refusal of PHC, 5.4%), general care for MS (36.1%), adequate housing (9.0%) and emotional support in crisis (4.5%). A total of 31.1% of callers reported 'typical' palliative symptoms (e.g. pain, 88.4%), 50.5% reported symptoms evolving from MS and 35.6% reported psychosocial problems. For 67 callers (30.2%), PHC services were recommended as indicated. CONCLUSIONS The hotline provided insight into the needs and problems of patients severely affected by MS and their caregivers, some of which may be met by PHC. Future follow-up calls will demonstrate if the hotline helped to improve access to PHC beyond providing information. Overall, the hotline seemed to be easily accessible for patients severely affected by MS whose mobility is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Strupp
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - B Groebe
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - A Knies
- Yale School of Nursing, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - M Mai
- German Multiple Sclerosis Society, Hannover
| | - R Voltz
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Integrated Oncology, Cologne/Bonn.,Clinical Trials Center, Cologne.,Center for Health Services Research, Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - H Golla
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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