News
Open Door - February 2009 page 3
- NICE assessment of FES
- Information on stem cells
- Fit notes may help people with MS stay in work
- Neurological service reforms in Scotland and Wales
- Tysabri and PML
NICE assessment of FES
In January, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) approved the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) as a treatment for people with dropped foot. The NICE appraisal of FES reflects research supported by the MS Trust, which showed that FES could increase speed and ease of walking and help to reduce fatigue in people with dropped foot.
Information on stem cells
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has published a handbook that addresses some of the questions about stem cell treatments and trials. The publication was launched with a warning about bogus clinics that continue to offer unproven treatments around the world. The ISSCR warns that these clinics are, "exploiting patients' hopes by purporting to offer effective therapies, typically for large sums of money, but without credible scientific rationale, transparency, oversight or patient protections."
- The handbook can be downloaded from the ISSCR website
- Read, order or download the MS Trust's Stem cells factsheet
Fit notes may help people with MS stay in work
In November, the government announced the introduction of 'fit notes' in England by 2010. These will allow doctors to say what work someone can do as well as what they can not. For people with a variable condition such as MS, who might previously have been signed off entirely, this could mean the chance to get back to work sooner with their duties temporarily amended to take account of their condition.
The success of the system will depend on GPs being able to accurately and sensitively assess both a person's ability to do work-related tasks and their ability to cope with the working environment. Employers will also need to be flexible and to fulfil their commitments under the Disability Discrimination Act.
[The Disability Discrimination Act was replaced by the Equality Act in October 2010]
Neurological service reforms
Scotland
A consultation document on clinical standards for neurological health services in Scotland was published in November 2008. The document was developed by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland following a series of reviews that found that services varied significantly between NHS boards.
The deadline for comments is 27 February 2009.
Wales
A review of services in Wales was published in September 2008. This identified the lack of staffing and strategic planning and recommended improvements in training and networking for all groups of health professionals working in neurology. Encouragingly, the review recognised the need for both MS specialist nurses with a manageable workload and earlier referral to rehabilitation services.
Tysabri and PML
During December, a fourth case of the brain infection progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) was identified in a person taking natalizumab (Tysabri). It was later announced that someone diagnosed with the infection in October had now died.
PML was identified as a potential side effect of natalizumab during research studies. As a result, people on treatment are closely monitored and the manufacturer, Biogen Idec, have announced that there is no need to change the treatment recommendations or to change the risk profile currently reflected in the license.
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Disclaimer
Open Door articles are reproduced as published. They are not updated to take account of subsequent developments. Use appropriate caution in acting on the information in any article.