MS Nurse Care in Australia: Patterns of access and impact on health outcomes

MS is the most common chronic neurological disease diagnosed in young Australian adults, affecting more than 25,000 people. With onset most commonly occurring between the ages of 20 and 40 years, a diagnosis of MS can be devastating. This disease most commonly strikes at a highly productive time of life, when study, career-building, relationship development and family-making are the focus, and the unpredictable nature of the disease can sabotage plans and disrupt dreams. At this time of uncertainty, the input of an MS Nurse is arguably of most importance.

The MS Nurse provides education, counselling, and compassion, supporting people with MS to understand and live with this complex disease, assisting people with accessing relevant support services, and empowering people through informed and shared decision-making about treatment, lifestyle, and research choices.

This critical and empowering partnership continues from diagnosis to relapse management and beyond, with the provision of medication information, safety vigilance programs, counselling, education, and symptom management throughout the life trajectory.