Professional Education in Multiple Sclerosis Care Through a Multidisciplinary Program for Health Care Practitioners

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common and long-term condition. It requires the intervention of various health care practitioners over a spectrum of care ranging from first diagnosis to end-of-life decisions. We developed a multispecialty program of education and worked with groups from a multisite community-based teaching hospital and a comprehensive rehabilitation network. We used a demographic questionnaire and pre- and postintervention testing. Participants consistently scored higher on the postsession (89.70 ± 8.09%) than on the presession (76.50 ± 17.61%) questionnaire (P < .001). No statistically significant differences were found in percentage points improved across level of education, previous training status, experience in caring for MS patients, or position classification. Ninety-five percent of participants responded that the information provided through the session related to their current role as part of a multidisciplinary health care team. In conclusion, this format was useful in providing key knowledge about the biological, psychological, and social care of patients with MS. A targeted educational program for health care practitioners should become part of the curriculum offered by MS centers to enhance the care provided to their patient population.