Reset and Reform MS services: through pathway mapping and innovation

A further core theme from 'NHS Reset and Reform' is around pathway mapping and innovation. There is currently variation in the MS pathway across the UK, leading to inequality of care provision.

The National Neurology Advisory Group has developed an Optimum MS pathway which outlines a standardised approach for MS management, an incredibly useful step towards equity of access and provision nationally.

However, if we are to provide holistic care for people with MS, we also need to ensure a pathway approach is in place to help manage or treat the symptoms and other challenges that people with MS are likely to encounter. This includes things like bladder and bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, cognitive impairment and pain management.

Bladder and bowel difficulties are commonly experienced by people with MS, and have a huge impact on both the individual's quality of life issue and the NHS's budget. A national bladder management pathway is in the process of being developed as a resource for services across the UK, although all pathways must be tailored to local service provision - an opportunity to provide the best possible care in any individual place.

Figure 1: Part of infographic: 'Multiple sclerosis: Raising the bar. Emergency admissions 2018/19', published Jan 2020. Full infographic available here.

'NHS Reset and Reform' suggests a number of ways that pathway use can impact MS care for the better, as well as highlighting innovations that can help improve care, maximise resources, and adapt to the changes in provision style demanded by the coronavirus pandemic.

In these videos, MS specialist nurse Ruth Stross, and Helen Crowther at NHSX share their experiences and innovative ideas for optimising MS care and support to enable people with MS to live their best lives.

Ruth shares details of the home UTI testing kit for MS that she has developed to enable rapid diagnosis and early intervention.

Helen Crowther, Clinical Nurse Advisor for NHS England and NHSX, discusses how digital technology may be a further way in which we can better support patients. Her key message: MS services need to embrace technology to support earlier interventions.

To learn more about 'NHS Reset and Reform', read the written report here.