TY - JOUR
T1 - Multidisciplinary ALS clinics in the USA
T2 - A comparison of those who attend and those who do not
AU - Stephens, Helen E.
AU - Felgoise, Stephanie
AU - Young, Jared
AU - Simmons, Zachary
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Informa Healthcare.
PY - 2015/6/1
Y1 - 2015/6/1
N2 - Optimization of quality of life (QoL) is perceived by many as the primary goal for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often via multidisciplinary clinics (MDCs). The aim of this study was to examine the differences in QoL, physical function, and social problem-solving skills for individuals with ALS attending MDCs compared to non-Attenders. An online survey was completed by 295 people with ALS in the United States. Results showed there were no differences between the groups in global QoL, measures of physical function, or social problem-solving skills. Attenders and non-Attenders of MDCs reported similar use of treatments for their ALS, although attenders received more health care services from nurses, therapists, social workers, dieticians, and in-home care providers. In conclusion, oher instruments may be needed to assess the benefits of MDCs. Qualitative studies of attenders and non-Attenders of MDCs may reveal important differences that could guide care.
AB - Optimization of quality of life (QoL) is perceived by many as the primary goal for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often via multidisciplinary clinics (MDCs). The aim of this study was to examine the differences in QoL, physical function, and social problem-solving skills for individuals with ALS attending MDCs compared to non-Attenders. An online survey was completed by 295 people with ALS in the United States. Results showed there were no differences between the groups in global QoL, measures of physical function, or social problem-solving skills. Attenders and non-Attenders of MDCs reported similar use of treatments for their ALS, although attenders received more health care services from nurses, therapists, social workers, dieticians, and in-home care providers. In conclusion, oher instruments may be needed to assess the benefits of MDCs. Qualitative studies of attenders and non-Attenders of MDCs may reveal important differences that could guide care.
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U2 - 10.3109/21678421.2014.994530
DO - 10.3109/21678421.2014.994530
M3 - Article
C2 - 25602166
AN - SCOPUS:84929740310
SN - 2167-8421
VL - 16
SP - 196
EP - 201
JO - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration
JF - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration
IS - 3-4
ER -