First Major Survey of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Nurses Highlights Significant Disparities in MS Nursing Across Europe

Brussels, May 26, 2010 (ots/PRNewswire) - The first major survey of
European Multiple Sclerosis (MS) nurses revealed that nearly one in
three nurses (31%) reported that standards of MS care are not
adequately maintained in their country. The results of this survey
will be presented for the first time on Friday 28 May, via a live
webcast at the European MS Platform (EMSP) Annual Congress in
Stuttgart, Germany.

The MS-NEED: European Survey polled 280 MS nurses in the Czech
Republic, Finland, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK, and found
considerable variations in the availability of specialised training
and education for MS nurses across Europe that could potentially
impact equality of care for people with MS across Europe. Overall,
one in five nurses reported that they have not received adequate
training and education to support them in their day-to-day role.

Amy Perrin Ross, President of the International Organization of
Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN) said, "The findings from MS-NEED:
European Survey show how far MS nurses have come in expanding their
role but also identify further areas for development. A benchmark and
standard for training and certification of MS nurses across Europe is
needed to ensure equality of health service provision and to improve
the quality of life of MS patients and their families."

The survey, conducted by the EMSP in cooperation with the IOMSN
and Rehabilitation in MS (RIMS), the European network of MS centres,
also highlighted variations in clinical practice, access to support
services such as rehabilitation, and participation in research.

"MS nurses provide critical information, support and advice to MS
patients and their families throughout the course of this chronic,
disabling disease. By providing this specialised, expert service they
can make an important impact on the overall quality of life of
patients. It is therefore important to recognise MS nursing as a
speciality within Europe and to find a way to unify, define and
benchmark care provision to avoid geographical inequalities in
patient care" said Professor Hans-Peter Hartung (Professor and
Chairman, Dept. of Neurology Heinrich-Heine University, Germany).

Hear the results of MS-NEED: European Survey for the first time
and the EMSP, IOMSN and RIMS recommendations for action on a European
and national level by logging onto the MS-NEED: European Survey live,
interactive webcast on Friday, 28 May, at 12:30 CET using the
information below:

Please click on the website link: http://www.emsp.org/ms-need/

The webcast provides you with a unique opportunity to learn about
the data and ask questions, in real-time, from leading global nurse
thought leaders.

What is MS?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex, chronic, disabling disease.
It affects twice as many women as men, and is usually first diagnosed
between the ages of 20 and 40, at a critical stage in adult life with
often considerable family and work responsibilities. To date, no cure
exists. It is estimated that there are more than 500,000 people with
MS in Europe.

European MS Platform (EMSP) represents their interests at the
European level, working with the European bodies on behalf of its 33
national member organisations to achieve its goals of high quality &
equitable treatment and support for all citizens suffering from MS.

The MS-NEED: European Survey was conducted by Adelphi
International Research and was supported by an unrestricted
educational grant from Novartis Pharma AG.

ots Originaltext: Novartis AG
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
CONTACT: For more information please contact: Christoph Thalheim,
EMSPSecretary General, Tel: +32-2-305-8012, Mob:
+32-485-47-99-86,Email:christoph.thalheim@emsp.org