Management of acute relapses of multiple sclerosis in Malta

Abstract

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: The lack of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) specialist nurses and an increasing prevalence of MS in Malta has raised questions as to whether MS patients are receiving appropriate treatment. The quality of care for patients with MS in Malta has not been previously described in the literature. This audit aims to establish a baseline and improve the quality of management of acute relapses of MS in Malta.

METHODS: a standardized questionnaire based on the NICE guidelines for the management of MS was formulated and completed during a one-on-one interview. 35 patients diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) were recruited from outpatient clinics and in-patients stays with a mean patient age of 39. All participants recruited were diagnosed with MS after 2004. Only the data of latest acute relapse episode was collected. The data was collected across a 9-month period in 2015 and analyzed using SPSS.

RESULTS: 34% revealed a delay in presentation and access to treatment, 11% exhibited poor recognition of acute relapses and 47% admitted to lack of awareness of treatment side-effects.

CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of patients with an acute relapse in the Maltese population require better education and access to be available for more prompt presentation and management. A better-informed patient and a dedicated specialist nurse service may improve the quality of care.