Better MS outcomes are goal of MSAA-led learning health network

MSIN will link participating care centers, healthcare professionals nationwide

by Mary Chapman | May 5, 2023

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The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is collaborating with Novartis and the Chronic Health Improvement Research Program (CHIRP) at Dartmouth Health to establish a multicenter learning health network for providers to drive better outcomes for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Called the Multiple Sclerosis Implementation Network (MSIN), the patient-centric research network will link participating care centers and healthcare professionals nationwide. The hope is that by sharing data and experiences, centers will learn from each other while contributing to research, with the ultimate benefit being to the patient.

“The Multiple Sclerosis Implementation Network is an exciting new initiative that has the potential to transform how MS is treated and managed,” Gina Ross Murdoch, MSAA president and CEO, said in a MSAA press release. “This unique, patient-centric research program will culminate in a learning health network designed to provide the best outcomes for people living with MS, aligning with MSAA’s mission of improving lives today for the multiple sclerosis community. I see no limits as to the potential benefits that this new research program may provide.”

Along with improving care, patient experience, and outcomes, the initiative also would support MS care providers and eliminate healthcare disparities by advocating for treatment access for all patients.

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There will be two MSIN advisory boards, one made up of patients and care partners, the other of healthcare professionals, investigators, and advocates.

“Our collaboration with MSAA and CHIRP deepens our commitment to improving the lives of people living with MS,” said Dharmesh Patel, Novartis vice president, medical unit head, neuroscience. “At Novartis we have been invested in launching transformative treatments for neurological conditions for more than 80 years, including a portfolio of treatments across the MS continuum. And by co-founding and developing MSIN we will work collaboratively to ensure that both the right treatments and clinical interventions reach the right patients in a timely manner.”

The hope is for MSIN to become a model of innovation, care improvement, and to implement evidence-based best practices for comprehensive MS centers as well as community-based neurology practices.

“MSIN is an exciting forward-thinking, cutting-edge initiative that is first-of-its-kind in multiple sclerosis. It will leverage the very best of what improvement, implementation science, care experience, and futuristic technology can accomplish,” said Brant Oliver, PhD, CHIRP director, and the MSIN’s principal investigator. “We will use a learning health network approach to create an environment of support and collaboration, which will amplify our ability to simultaneously improve care, implement evidence-based interventions, and study MS care in a way that is driven by the needs and voices of people with MS. I am honored to serve as principal investigator for this promising initiative.”

For more information, send an email to Diana Cruz at [email protected] or call 800-532-7667.

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About the Author

Mary Chapman Mary graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in journalism. She began her career at United Press International, then spent a decade reporting for the Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. (now Bloomberg Industry Group). Mary has written extensively for The New York Times, and her work has appeared in publications such as Time, Newsweek, Fortune, and the Chicago Tribune. She’s won a Society of Professional Journalists award for outstanding reporting.