Quantifying the administration and monitoring time burden of several disease-modifying therapies for relapsing multiple sclerosis in the United Kingdom: A time and motion study.

Background: The treatment landscape for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) has changed dramatically in recent decades, including an increasing number of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) with varied administration and monitoring requirements. Coupled with greater focus on earlier treatment, these factors have resulted in stretching of the capacity of MS specialist services and allied healthcare professionals (HCPs). To assist with the effective planning of MS services in the UK NHS, this study quantified the administration and monitoring time burden associated with high-efficacy DMTs (alemtuzumab, cladribine tablets, fingolimod, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab) for relapsing MS.

Benchmarking best practice in relapse management of multiple sclerosis.

The Midlands multiple sclerosis (MS) nurse group developed a benchmark for relapse management in MS, using the framework outlined in the DoH document Essence of Care (DoH 2001). The authors discuss the benchmarking process and demonstrate how specialist nurses can collaboratively establish best practice and influence the quality of care. The potential benefits of applying the benchmarking process to relapse management are discussed.