Understanding and Treating Psychosocial Barriers

Patient discussion board subjects uncover “invisible” symptoms

“Anxiety orMS...Scared”

“Newbie with questions”

Shifting the Focus from Medical to PsychosocialPsychosocial factors are predictors of quality of life in MS

Bring on the Healthcare Extenders!

Professionals who focus primarily on psychosocial issues

Pharmacist

Griswold Home Care

Counselor, Social Worker

Discharge Planner

Nurse (RN, LPN, APN)

What is Multiple Sclerosis? (MS)

“The quality of life in patients with MS is not solely

determined by physical disability, but rather by the

level of social support, living area, depression, level of education,

employment, fatigue and religiosity…we suggest that these should be

evaluated in every patient with MS as they may be modified by

targeted interventions.”

(Yamout et al, 2013)

Subjects Matter

Highlighting a Disconnect with Patients & Prescribers

- Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs- Partial or complete loss of central vision- Double vision or blurring of vision- Tingling or pain in parts of your body- Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain head movements- Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait- Slurred speech- Fatigue- Dizziness

- Overwhelmed with diagnosis - Overloaded by amount of information they are given- Depression due to isolation and mounting losses- Fear and uncertainty about the future- Loss of roles: parent, spouse, worker, active member of society- Impact on family and relationships- Concern about financial issues- Difficulty with activities of daily living- Travel concerns

Prescriber Patient

DisconnectMedical vs. Psychosocial

Primary focus on managing physical symptoms with medication due to time

limitations

Primary focus on managing psychosocial (“invisible”) symptoms yet reluctant to

discuss with their prescriber

Advocacy/Support Groups

“Am I just crazy?”

 “Depression and MS”

“Taking meds through airport

security?”

 “Scared of romance”

Family andFriends

Government Agencies

PT/OT/Speech

MS Non-medical Toolkit Solutions

© 2013 Griswold International, LLC

Support NetworkAwareness and access

to family, friends, peers, advocacy

Surrounding EnvironmentFinancial issues, competing

needs, access to care/services

Values, Emotions, Beliefs, and Attitudes

Anxiety, depression, uncertainty, fear, anger, isolation

KnowledgeUnderstanding of MS and

how to self-manage

Self-efficacyConfidence in diagnosis,

care team, treatment, ability to manage

MS/treatment

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.

• Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision.

• The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease.

National MS Society - www.nationalmssociety.org

MS Connections: http://bit.ly/ZAeO5a Living with MS: http://bit.ly/Z0gXWT MS Learn Online: http://bit.ly/YseGDZ

Mood Changes and MS: Understanding Depression – National MS Society: http://bit.ly/Z0gmobMood Changes and MS: Managing Anxiety – National MS Society: http://bit.ly/X7yxIYCareer Crossroads: Employment and MS Part 1 – National MS Society: http://bit.ly/Z0gyni MS in a Personal Relationship – National MS Society: http://bit.ly/YbkkuU

MS Quality of Life Inventory: http://bit.ly/Ya0a7xPlainTalk: A booklet about MS for families: http://bit.ly/ZLn3Pb Clinical Practice Guidelines: http://bit.ly/XuId66

Videos

Tools Resources

Sources:

Yamout, B et. al. (2013) Predictors of quality of life among multiple sclerosis patients: a comprehensive analysis; EuropeanJournal of Neurology, DOI: 10.1111/ene.12046.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ene.12046/abstractHealthboards.com http://www.healthboards.com/boards/multiple-sclerosis/index425.htmlNational MS Society http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/index.aspx