Multiple Sclerosis: Patients too in drafting the guidelines for the Pdta

The regional guidelines for the implementation of corporate PDTA dedicated to multiple sclerosis, recently presented at the Meyer Health Campus in Florence, are an example of a participatory process that saw the collaboration of the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Association Aism and the Tuscan Organization for Clinical Governance (Otgc) , a consultative and technical-scientific body of the Regional Council.

The document is the result of six months of shared work, divided into six thematic tables and over fifty professionals involved, including neurologists, physiatrists, rehabilitation experts, nurses, general practitioners, psychologists, health company staff, as well as experts from Aism and Otgc. The aim of this broad participation was to improve the quality of care through Diagnostic Therapeutic Care Paths (PDTA) built on the basis of clinical evidence, but also of the direct experience of people with MS.

"This Tuscan model shows that it is possible to do real co-programming, putting the health system and the people directly involved around the same table. It is an approach that strengthens the effectiveness of services and protects rights by enhancing the experiences of people with MS and the daily work of Aism", commented Mario Alberto Battaglia, General Director of Aism and President of the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

The guidelines are part of a twenty-year commitment that Aism has been carrying out in the region: from the first regional PDTA approved in 2004, updated in 2015 and 2020, up to today. The current challenge is to transform these indications into concrete company PDTA, actually applied in the different territories.

"For this to happen," concludes Battaglia, " it is essential that the Tuscany Region officially accepts the document , ensures its implementation in local planning and provides the network of MS services with adequate governance and monitoring tools. In this process, the involvement of Aism remains strategic, as a guarantor of the point of view of people with MS."

Photo by Aism