March is National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Education and Awareness Month, organized by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation  and affiliated groups to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis and improve patient care. Affecting 400,000 people throughout the United States, multiple sclerosis is a challenging disease to manage effectively, and solutions are urgently needed.

Thanks to grant funding from the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network is embarking on a collaborative interdisciplinary model of care for individuals living with multiple sclerosis. Drawing from the resources of the Department of Neurosensory Sciences and MossRehab, this model of care will help to bridge the acute and rehabilitation worlds by expanding nursing and social work capabilities.

Uniquely Qualified to Manage Multiple Sclerosis

With physicians and staff from many disciplines already involved in the treatment of MS patients through a variety of programs, AEHN is uniquely positioned to extend care beyond the usual neurology-centric model to create a true care continuum that includes clinical diagnosis, diagnostic testing, rehabilitation, and ongoing support.  “While AEHN has always provided quality care for patients with multiple sclerosis, the grant funding provided by the MS Society will help patients to more easily access the range of resources available throughout the network,” says Ruth Lefton, chief operating officer, MossRehab.

Recognizing the need for MS care in the community, plans for the model began with the recruitment by the Department of Neurosensory Sciences of Mikhail Shamayev, MD, PhD, assistant professor, who is fellowship-trained in MS.  According to Dr. Shamayev, “Einstein offers a combination of specialists at the highest level, a dedicated staff and a caring atmosphere. I don’t think many places can offer that same level of care.”  Because of the strength of our faculty, staff, and services, AEHN is uniquely qualified to manage patients with MS throughout the trajectory of their disease.

A Seamless Transition Throughout the Continuum of Care

Einstein accepts this grant as an opportunity to enter into a partnership with the MS Society – joining efforts to improve care. The additional nursing and social work support will be used to transform programming into an interdisciplinary patient-centered model.  The nurse practitioner will coordinate medical management and follow-up for patients with MS, while the social worker will facilitate interdisciplinary care conferences and coordinate resources to support optimal patient care.  “With this addition of staff, we will provide patients who have multiple sclerosis with a seamless transition throughout the care continuum,” says Dr. Shamayev. “Our goals are to provide patients relief, promote independence, and allow them to attain the highest possible level of functioning.”  The result – improved management of the disease and its symptoms to promote better function and an improved quality of life for MS patients.

For more information about the Multiple Sclerosis Program at AEHN or to refer a patient, call 1-800-CALL-MOSS (1-800-225-5667).