Anew survey has highlighted concern among multiple sclerosis (MS) specialists — including nurses — that some patients with MS are not engaging with specialist services. The research — Multiple Sclerosis Clinician Survey of 100 Specialist MS Nurses and Neurologists — found that 93% of healthcare professionals with expertise in MS believe that there are people with the condition who are missing out on access to new medicines, symptom control and holistic services, all of which can be offered by the MS team.
The challenge of providing safe and effective care closer to home for patients requiring ,intravenous (IV) therapy but who are not housebound can be achieved by developing community clinics. However, it is imperative that governance procedures are in place to protect the patient and the organisation. It is also recommended that medicine management is effective, infection control processes are reliable, and clinical audit is performed. Community nurses have a wealth of knowledge and experience which can be used to deliver the government's promise of community care, provide patients with a choice of where to receive their care and deliver effective treatment in an ever-changing NHS.
