Building Bridges: Establishing a Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Knowledge Mobilization...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Evidence for multiple sclerosis (MS) rehabilitation and symptomatic care is increasing, but access remains suboptimal.
• Translating evidence into routine clinical practice for MS care is challenging.
• Effective knowledge mobilization strategies are needed to improve equitable access to comprehensive MS care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multiple sclerosis (MS) rehabilitation knowledge mobilization strategy.
• To identify priorities and action items for improving MS rehabilitation and symptomatic care in Canada.

Main Methods:

• A Canadian summit convened 43 key stakeholders, including researchers, healthcare providers, and people with MS.
• Methods included workshops, breakout groups, presentations, and consensus-building to identify and prioritize needs.
• Stakeholders rated need statements on feasibility and importance to determine top priorities.

Main Results:

• Eighteen key need statements for MS rehabilitation were identified.
• The top three priorities were: 1) developing a best-practice guideline for MS rehabilitation, 2) supporting healthcare providers, and 3) establishing a knowledge mobilization network.
• Key topic areas for mobilization included fatigue, mobility, cognition, mood, and rehabilitation across the MS disease course.

Conclusions:

• A collaborative process identified key priorities and topic areas for MS rehabilitation knowledge mobilization.
• Lessons learned will inform advocacy for improved access to evidence-based MS care.
• A Canadian MS Rehab Knowledge Mobilization Network was established to advance this agenda.