Work

Cross-Sectional Study of Multiple Sclerosis Nurse Care in Australia: Patterns of Access, Improved Health Outcomes, and Recommendations: Part 1

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: In Australia, multiple sclerosis (MS) specialist nurses are an integral part of the multidisciplinary health care team for people with MS, but does everyone have access to MS nurse care, and is access associated with improved health outcomes? Our aim was to evaluate patterns of access to MS nurse care and associations between MS nurse access and health outcomes. Methods: Data were collected from 1417 Australians with MS on MS nurse access and health outcomes, including disability, severity of 13 symptoms, health-related quality of life, and treatment. Regression analyses were used to evaluate associations. Results: Overall, 31.5% of respondents had no access to MS nurse care. Those without access were substantially older, had a longer disease duration, and were more likely to be male, less educated, and live in more remote areas. Multivariable analyses showed that, compared with people with access to MS nurse care, those without access had consistently worse health outcomes, including a higher level of disability, a higher rate of self-reported progression in the past 12 months, a higher severity of all MS symptoms, and a lower health-related quality of life. The effect sizes of the mean ratios ranged from 10% to 24%. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of people with MS in Australia do not have access to MS nurse care and have less favorable health outcomes. Increasing awareness of and access to MS nurse care could promote more effective disease management and improve health outcomes for people with MS.

Source: International Journal of MS Care

DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2025-054