ORCID

Abstract

Background Previously, consensus MS care standards were defined by MS specialist neurologists from 19 countries. We developed, piloted and refined an Excel-based quality improvement tool to enable MS services to benchmark against these standards. Here, we examine the refined tool. Objective To determine the applicability of the quality improvement tool in different healthcare settings. Methods MS centres across the globe were invited to pilot the quality improvement tool by coding the medical records of 36 adults with MS. We invited feedback on user friendliness, quality improvement tool usefulness and relevance of data collected. Results Seventeen centres from 14 countries participated; 14 completed the post-service evaluation survey. Over 50% of responders rated the tool ‘very easy’ or ‘easy’ to use and ‘very relevant’ to their service. Almost 85% of responders (11/13) planned to introduce changes to their service, including improvements in documentation, communication, interactions with colleagues and referrals; 85% would use a future shorter version of the tool. Conclusions The quality improvement tool can enable MS centres globally to benchmark their services. Widespread uptake of a shorter tool may help MS centres to work towards achieving consensus standards for brain health-focused care. Incorporation into routine clinical practice would drive adoption.

DOI

10.1177/20552173221124023

Publication Date

2022-07-01

Publication Title

Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental, Translational and Clinical

Volume

8

Issue

3

Embargo Period

2022-11-03

Organisational Unit

Peninsula Medical School

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