Improving reporting of multiple sclerosis relapse

Roberts, Megan
Lush, Tessa
Pohorely, John

Author Megan Roberts is an independent multiple sclerosis nurse consultant (Megan Roberts Solutions); Tessa Lush is communications and patient relations lead, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK; John Pohorely is a multiple sclerosis specialist nurse, Frimley Park Hospital Foundation Trust, Camberley.

SymTrac and the Relapse campaign were wholly funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Nursing Times 111(48):p 12-14, November 25, 2015.

•This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

Symptom relapse of multiple sclerosis often goes unreported, which can affect how the condition is managed. An app has been developed to facilitate relapse reporting

Abstract

Roberts M et al (2015) Improving reporting of multiple sclerosis relapse. Nursing Times; 111: 48, 12-14.

Many people with multiple sclerosis do not report a relapse. When it is reported, it is not always recorded in their notes. This can mean patients do not always have the most appropriate treatment. This article reviews some of the reasons why relapse reports are lacking and how the problem could be addressed. As a result, the decision was made to develop an app that patients could use to record their symptoms and wellbeing over time, to help identify and record relapses. Information could then be passed to their health professional via email, if desired.