Open Access
01-12-2024 | Research article
MS brain health quality standards: a survey on the reality in clinical practice in Germany
Authors:
Isabel Voigt, Katja Akgün, Hernan Inojosa, Judith Haas, Herbert Temmes, Sven G. Meuth, Gavin Giovannoni, Tjalf Ziemssen
Published in:
Neurological Research and Practice
|
Issue 1/2024
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Abstract
Background
The quality of treatment is especially critical in the context of complex and chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The Brain Health Initiative, an independent international consortium of neurologists, reached a consensus on time-based quality standards prioritizing brain health-focused care for people with MS.
Objectives
To gain deeper insights into the transferability of these quality standards to a specific area, we conducted a survey among MS experts across various MS centers in Germany.
Methods
Participants were asked about time frames considered high standards and those currently being implemented in daily routine based on their experience.
Results
The results reveal a large gap between ideal conceptions and their adaptation in the real world, mostly due to a lack of resources.
Conclusions
Nevertheless, these guidelines and recommendations can be aspired to as ideals. Consensual and inclusive clinical pathways complemented by measurable quality indicators are needed to improve care and approach these ideals. Neither exists in the current management of MS.