Long-term treatment optimization in individuals with multiple sclerosis using disease-modifying therapies: a nursing approach.
The introduction of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) over the last 7 years has had a significant effect on the management of those living with this disease. Initially, the focus of improving treatment outcomes was on ensuring adherence to therapy by managing drug-related adverse events. However, treatment adherence is only one facet of ensuring optimal health outcomes for patients using DMTs. Therefore, a group of 80 nurses from Canada and the United States (The North American MS Nurses' Treatment Optimization Group) developed an evidence-based nursing approach to address the various factors involved in obtaining optimal patient outcomes. The goal of this nursing approach is to ensure the best possible clinical, subclinical, psychosocial, and quality-of-life outcomes for patients with MS using DMTs.
Denis
Lorraine
L
Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON. ldenis@ottawahospital.on.ca
Namey
Marie
M
Costello
Kathy
K
Frenette
Jocelyne
J
Gagnon
Nathalie
N
Harris
Colleen
C
Lowden
Diane
D
McEwan
Lynn
L
Morrison
Wendy
W
Poirier
Josée
J
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D019468:Disease Management; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008134:Long-Term Care; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D009732:Nursing Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014481:United States
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D016899:Interferon-beta