Finalist
Multiple Sclerosis in the 21st century (MS21)
with support from Cello Health Communications
Summary of work
Having focused mainly on HCP-driven outcomes in the past, MS in the 21st Century (MS21) has shifted the focus towards essential patient needs for those diagnosed with MS. MS21 brings patients and HCPs together on an equal footing to uncover unmet needs in MS care. The MS21 steering group of patients and HCPs utilises insights from an unmet needs survey alongside literature reviews and personal patient experiences to identify and tackle unmet needs in MS care. This crucial dialogue between patients and HCPs enables both parties to gain a better understanding of each other, while working collaboratively to develop pragmatic solutions that benefit and work for everybody involved.
MS21 has successfully produced and disseminated a range of materials that educate patients on their condition, enabling them to identify and discuss priorities and concerns openly with their HCP during consultations. For example, the MyMS Commitments tool is a mutual agreement between the patient and their HCP to share knowledge and support shared decision-making in MS care. By focusing on education of both patients and HCPs, MS21 is a model that improves patient education and care across the board in MS.
Judges’ comments
MS21 was a clear and ambitious project with SMART objectives. It had good insights on MS patient needs and, in particular, healthcare professional and patient communications. It was brilliant to see patients involved as equal partners.
