MS Brain Health has played a pivotal role in advancing a paradigm shift in the management of MS. The launch in 2015 of the evidence-based health policy report Brain health: time matters in multiple sclerosis marked the start of a global initiative advocating early diagnosis, timely and effective treatment, proactive monitoring and shared decision-making.
Under the auspices of the Oxford Health Policy Forum and its HealthScience Communication partner Oxford PharmaGenesis, alongside report authors, endorsers, champions and many supporters, the global health policy recommendations have been shared widely and used to advocate for change in MS care all over the world.
The internationally agreed MS care standards successfully translated clinical recommendations into actionable time frames, while a quality improvement (QI) tool enabled centres to track and benchmark care. The updated Brain health - time matters 2024 report recognized collaborative effort and progress made while emphasizing the need for continued advocacy to improve care worldwide
Entering its second decade, two long-standing partners are taking up the reigns and embracing the opportunities to move forward in key areas.
MSIF (MS International Federation), the global umbrella organization for MS societies, will lead MS Brain Health and support its member organizations to integrate the reports’ recommendations into national policy conversations. It aims to secure long-term impact by developing an Advocacy Toolkit.
- To continue receiving updates about MS Brain Health, including the Advocacy Toolkit, please sign up here.
MS Base, an international online registry for MS neurologists and others, will take forward the MS Brain Health QI tool. They plan to further develop the tool into a digital, web-based resource to support healthcare professionals monitor and deliver timely, high-quality care for people with MS.
- To register interest in using the tool and receive updates about its development, healthcare professionals can email MS Base.
The impact of MS Brain Health is only possible thanks to all of you.
Read in full about the impact so far and the next chapter here.
The MS Brain Health initiative highlights the need to maximize lifelong brain health, with its recommendations to monitor and minimize disease activity.
MS Brain Health recommendations for timely management of multiple sclerosis (MS) have been widely disseminated and have gained global support among healthcare professionals and MS societies. The subsequent consensus standards should encourage MS clinics and centres to work towards specific goals set by international experts.
A survey conducted in autumn 2020 and reports from many local groups illustrate how MS Brain Health is changing the global MS landscape. To showcase the survey, this infographic was developed to share the results and some key highlights from the MS community.
Below you can download the slide presentation detailing the survey results and we also feature some examples of activities led by local groups that have changed the MS landscape in their country or region. How can you and your contacts make a difference? Has a local campaign or initiative already helped to implement any of the MS Brain Health recommendations in your country? If so, we would love to share it with our supporters! Please email us: info@msbrainhealth.org
MS Brain Health global impact case studies
MS Brain Health global impact slides
Clinical and patient impact – Serbia
UK quit smoking impact
Australian election campaign impact
Advocacy and policy impact – Serbia
Local MS Brain Health group – Australia
Healthy living with MS – Spain
DMT access and funding – New Zealand
Advocacy and policy impact – Serbia
