Multiple system atrophy healthcare professional training programme

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) on-demand education for healthcare professionals

We are pleased to introduce a comprehensive, modular on-demand education programme designed for all healthcare professionals, providing a thorough understanding of multiple system atrophy (MSA) and guidance on delivering optimal care.

Aims of the education

This programme aims to:

• Provide clinicians and health and care professionals with a comprehensive insight into MSA, including diagnosis, treatment, management, and care.
  

• Highlight the role of the multi-disciplinary team and palliative care in supporting people with MSA.
  

• Demonstrate the impact of MSA on individuals and their loved ones, and show how early conversations can support advanced care planning.

Learning objectives

By completing this first education module, participants will be able to:

• Identify the core clinical features that lead to a diagnosis of MSA.
  

• Understand the diagnostic challenges and the importance of recognising “red flags” alongside clinical history, neurological examination, and investigations to reach a clinically probable or established diagnosis.
  

• Appreciate the value of a person-centred palliative approach to address daily challenges and the mental health impact for the person with MSA, their carer/partner, and family.
  

• Identify the appropriate multi-disciplinary team required to meet the individual needs of each person with MSA.

Key module information

In order to receive your certificate of completion, we ask that you complete a short reflective practice found at the end of each module. This consists of six brief reflective statements designed to encourage you to reflect on key points and consider how to apply them in practice.

About the programme

The Multiple system atrophy HCP training programme is structured into five modular sessions, starting with the MSA pathway and core principles module. This foundational module provides all healthcare professionals with a clear understanding of MSA and guidance on care and management.

Subsequent modules will be focused on different MSA symptoms, which will be relevant across many multi-disciplinary team roles. You are encouraged to participate in as many modules as possible, as feedback shows that professionals across disciplines gain valuable insights from each other’s perspectives.

Each module features:

• Expert-led presentations on MSA

• Reflective practice opportunities to consolidate key learnings

• Signposting to additional resources and support
  

The first module is available now, and the second module will launch later this year.

Who is this education for?

This is the ideal course for all health and care professionals who work in neurology or with neurological patients and would like to learn more about MSA management, treatment and care.

Course attendees might include general practitioners, early career neurologists, Parkinson’s or neurology nurses, clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), community nurses, allied health professionals (AHPs) working in health or social care, psychologists, nursing or care workers or associated specialists.

Cost of the course

This is a free course for health and social care professionals and employees of third sector organisations. To apply, please complete our registration form. We will manually verify your registration and aim to grant you access as soon as possible, but please bear with us while we process your account. You will be notified via email once the course has been approved and added to your profile dashboard.

This training has been developed in partnership with the Multiple System Atrophy Trust, which offers a wealth of additional resources and support for healthcare professionals. To find out more, visit: www.msatrust.org.uk.