title: Management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by the family nurse practitioner: a timeline for anticipated referrals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article reviews characteristics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and appropriate timing of referrals by the nurse practitioner (NP).
  
  
  METHODS
  Selected research and clinical articles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Management of patients with ALS by the NP requires anticipation of needed referrals based on symptom assessment and knowledge of the common timeline of ALS progression. Close collaboration with specialists such as neurologists, pulmonologists, and a palliative care team provides patients and families with much needed support and improves outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Anticipating and initiating appropriate and timely referrals for patients with ALS may improve quality of life for patients with this devastating condition.
authors: School of Nursing, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington 97239, USA. mdawndavis@gmail.com
authors: Melanie
authors: M
authors: Davis
authors: Jau-Shin
authors: JS
authors: Lou
mesh_terms: D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013997:Time Factors