Citation

Strupp J, Voltz R, Golla H. Mult. Scler. 2016; 22(1): 13-18.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1352458515608262

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Patients severely affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) have a large range of unmet needs. Although initially counterintuitive, specialized palliative care (PC) may be beneficial for these patients and their relatives. PC has advanced greatly in recent years, yet it is still predominantly tumour patients who profit from this. For MS, a first randomized phase II trial has already demonstrated significant benefits for patients and their caregivers when PC was included in their care. However, there are barriers: neurologists not convinced about PC, or PC not taking on MS patients. Studies have shown that misunderstandings and a lack of information among healthcare professionals about the roles and services of PC for MS are still prevalent. This topical review will give an overview of the unmet needs of patients as well as the possible benefits and barriers of PC for MS, and will describe models of services on how to €open locked doors€. © 2015 SAGE Publications.

Language: en

Keywords

human; suicide; Review; quality of life; depression; social support; disease severity; wellbeing; Palliative care; caregiver burden; health program; patient care; physical disability; coping behavior; palliative therapy; psychosocial care; caregiver; daily life activity; health care personnel; home care; health care need; multiple sclerosis; clinical assessment; clinical effectiveness; integrated health care system; teleconsultation; Expanded Disability Status Scale; spiritual care; randomized controlled trial (topic); personal hygiene; personalized medicine; phase 2 clinical trial (topic); phase 3 clinical trial (topic); assessment of humans; Palliative Care Outcome Scale; severely affected; spiritual wellbeing scale; unmet needs