Experience in the use of the Minimal Record of Disability in multiple sclerosis chapters and community settings

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• The International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Societies developed the Minimal Record of Disability (MRD).
• Assessing patient services in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) chapters requires effective tools.
• Previous methods for evaluating disability services in MS communities were not standardized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the acceptance and feasibility of the MRD in MS chapter and community settings.
• To illustrate potential applications of the MRD for planning patient service programs.
• To evaluate the experience of MS chapters and communities using the MRD for ongoing patient service.

Main Methods:

• Field testing of the MRD by Patient Services Staff in the United States and Canada.
• Interviews conducted with 160 individuals with MS.
• Data collection occurred across fifteen MS chapter and community settings.

Main Results:

• The MRD demonstrated acceptance and feasibility for use in MS community settings.
• Potential applications for patient service program planning were identified.
• The study provided a summary evaluation of the field testing experience.

Conclusions:

• The MRD is a viable instrument for use in MS patient service settings.
• Continued use of the MRD can enhance patient service planning and evaluation.
• The field testing provided valuable insights into the practical application of the MRD.