Shared Decision-Making Tools
When patients and their healthcare team are sharing information and working together rather than apart, the results of this teamwork can lead to great success. Known as “Shared Decision-Making,” this philosophy encourages members of the MS community to proactively manage their healthcare needs and overall wellness by researching information, tracking and reporting results, and developing direct and open communication with their neurologist and other treating specialists.
To support this effort, MSAA is continuing to develop a series of tools to manage MS – helping individuals to be proactive and take steps toward better health and an improved quality of life.
- My MS Manager™ – a free mobile phone application to track disease activity, store medical information, generate reports, and the ability to connect to physicians and one’s healthcare team via the app to share progress and reports securely and as needed.
- MSAA’s Ultimate MS Treatment Guide – this comprehensive tool compares all of the FDA-approved MS treatments, featuring medical experts as well as patient advocates, so individuals and their physicians can make an informed decision.
- My MS Workbook and Checklist – these educational tools are designed to help people with MS and their care partners prepare for appointments with their physicians and for discussions with their healthcare team.
- MS Treatment Journey: Key Barriers and Opportunities infographic (PDF) – an overview of challenges and recommended actions to improve patient-provider collaboration in MS care.
- For Healthcare Professionals Only: Shared Decision-Making in MS: Focus on Cognition (videos) – these educational programs are aimed at healthcare professionals (HCPs) and focus on shared-decision making while discussing cognitive impairment in MS.
Individuals may also call MSAA’s Helpline at (800) 532-7667, extension 154 to speak with a Client Services Specialist or email MSQuestions@mymsaa.org.