Multiple Sclerosis Multidisciplinary Care: A National Survey and Lessons for the Global Community

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Access to standardized, reimbursed multidisciplinary care for people with MS (PwMS) is limited globally.
• This study evaluates the current state of multidisciplinary care for PwMS in Belgium.
• It identifies benefits, needs, and future directions for improving care delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe multidisciplinary care for PwMS in Belgium.
• To identify the benefits and needs associated with multidisciplinary care.
• To explore future perspectives for optimizing MS care.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to PwMS, MS nurses (MSN), and neurologists.
• Surveys covered aspects of MS, care viewpoints, and professional roles.
• Descriptive and univariate statistical analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• 916 PwMS responded; 65.3% had access to a multidisciplinary team (MDT) and 60.4% to an MSN.
• Access to MSN and MDT was linked to better medical and socio-economic support, including higher employment rates.
• PwMS without MDT access more frequently reported unmet care needs.

Conclusions:

• Multidisciplinary team and MS nurse availability significantly enhance support for PwMS.
• There is a clear need for standardized guidelines, alignment, and reimbursement for these services.
• Organizing MDTs at a hospital-network level is supported by neurologists.