dmt discussion group - samantha colhoun
TRANSCRIPT
Samantha ColhounCNS – MS
Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Birmingham
Cover large area of Birmingham for 1st line DMT’s
Provide regional Tysabri, Lemtrada and Fingolimod services
Initially developed DMT discussion groups due to large waiting list
Capacity issues with clinics
Team philosophy – education is the key to adherence
6 - 7 groups held each month Separate groups for 1st line DMT’s,
Lemtrada and Fingolimod 4 – 6 patients attend each group Discussion group lasts up to 2 hours (inc
screening) Some individuals will not be suitable and
seen in clinic ie language barrier, cognition, anxiety
VARK LEARNING STYLE
Patients are invited to attend with someone Written information sent with invitation
letter◦ DMT booklet (MS Trust) for 1st line or◦ Fingolimod / Lemtrada patient pack◦ Directed to MS Decisions
Screening booklet completed:◦ Blood tests and other investigations◦ Previous DMT’s◦ Allergies◦ Current medications◦ Previous medications (ie immunosuppressant's,
caridac)
Screening booklet completed:◦ Supplementary therapies◦ Any other conditions (current or previous) ie
cancers◦ Contraception◦ Baseline obs (BP, pulse and temp)
A power point presentation of the therapies available
After each drug discussed – practical demonstration of devices (injectables)
Patients are encouraged to handle the devices
Overview of the therapies inc:◦ Mode of action◦ Side effects◦ Monitoring◦ Initiation◦ Delivery / training / administration of therapy◦ Other medications◦ Relapses and steroids◦ Pregnancy◦ Travel◦ Supplementary therapies◦ Stopping criteria
Patient (and relative/friend) have one to one with MS nurse
If patient undecided they will either:◦ Ring when made decision◦ Attend further clinic app to discuss
Check list is signed by both patient and MS nurse, copy given to patient
Outlines points covered in the presentation To ensure their understanding of the
process including adherence / stopping criteria
Patients are encouraged to think about:◦ Lifestyle◦ Work ◦ Children◦ Religion◦ Diet limitations: ie vegetarian, PEG◦ Managing side effects◦ Adherence
Audit every 12 – 24 months Results have always been positive
◦ Duration of session◦ Information provided
Patient feedback
Small enough group to ask
questions
Straight forward and understandable
Relaxed atmosphere
People asked useful questions that I had not thought of