title: Disease-modifying drugs in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: This article is a description of practice and a comment on the evolution of a disease-modifying drug (DMD) treatment service for multiple sclerosis (MS) in a tertiary referral centre. It is hoped it will help other MS nurses who are involved in the establishment of DMD clinics in their area. It aims to offer an update on practical management of DMDs that may prove useful for any nurse involved in caring for people with MS. It describes lessons learnt in the establishment and growth of the service and protocols put in place to ensure best practice. The importance of partnership in care with patients and multidisciplinary collaboration is highlighted, while the pivotal role of the MS nurse in the delivery of an effective service is emphasised.
authors.affiliation: National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH Trust, London. elizabeth.keenan@uclh.org
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Keenan
authors.forename: Bernadette
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Porter
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D009462:Neurology / Q000458:organization & administration; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D010455:Peptides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012944:Social Support
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D010455:Peptides; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a