Report Shows MS Patients Miss Out On Access To Palliative Care Services

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by Isaura Santos |

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MS patient with doctor

A recentĀ report by Marie Curie fellows organization suggests that those suffering fromĀ neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosisĀ are missing out on care that couldĀ make a major difference inĀ the quality of their lives. When it comes to palliative care, the report contends thatĀ there is a limited understanding about the need for itĀ among both public policy makers and health professionals. In a recent post by the MS Trust, the organization seeks to highlight what palliative care can offer, who can benefit from it and whenĀ is the rightĀ time toĀ access this type of holistic care.

According to theĀ report, people often associate palliative care withĀ cancer treatment and end of life care. However, the truth is thatĀ the goal of palliative care is much broader and includesĀ achieving the best quality of life possible for patientsĀ and their families by managing symptoms and providing spiritual and emotional support. Palliative care can startĀ soonerĀ to help manage aĀ condition even in its early stages — particularly progressive ones such as MS.

TheĀ report also emphasizes the issues concerningĀ limited access to timely palliative care for those suffering fromĀ multiple sclerosis despite havingĀ symptoms likeĀ pain, swallowing problems, recurrent infection, and emotional and psychological obstaclesĀ that palliative care can treat. Research has shownĀ that receivingĀ earlier palliative care can improveĀ symptoms and decreaseĀ the burden for caregivers. For patients suffering fromĀ multiple sclerosis, aĀ flexible approach forĀ palliative care services is required and the intervention might change over time accordingĀ to theĀ course of the disease.

SuggestionsĀ for improved palliative care services include:

  • more commitment from health authoritiesĀ to provideĀ resources to everyone withĀ palliative needs so they can have access to more appropriate services independentlyĀ of their condition.
  • advancementĀ of stronger relationships between palliative care specialists and condition-specific health professionals.
  • all health agenciesĀ should recognize the relevanceĀ of making sure that everyone understands the concept ofĀ palliative careĀ andĀ what it can provide toĀ people and how it can be accessed.

The MS Trust Director of Service Development, Amy Bowen, noted:Ā “Palliative care can be a vital element of improving quality of life for people managing more advanced symptoms of MS and also for their families. Access to this care is essential and it is important that people with MS, their families and health professionals understand what palliative care services can offer.”

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