Exploring Access to Disease-Modifying Therapies and Support Services for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis in Saskatchewan
Date
2025-03-26
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0009-0002-9328-4833
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Background: Saskatchewan has one of the highest global MS prevalence rates, with approximately 3,700 cases per 1.174 million people. In 2017, an integrated care pathway (ICP) was introduced to improve MS care delivery, but its effectiveness remains unclear. Given the importance of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in reducing disability progression and improving quality of life (QoL), patient access to DMTs and supportive care within the ICP context must be explored.
Study Aim: This study aimed to: (1) examine accessibility to DMTs and essential DMT support services and resources in Saskatchewan. (2) explore the barriers of people with MS (Pw-MS) are facing in accessing these services and resources. (3) understand if access time to first DMT prescription and first DMT follow-up appointment was associated with the sociodemographic variables and self-reported QoL.
Methods: A web-based exploratory descriptive survey was piloted among Pw-MS diagnosed between May 1, 2017, and January 1, 2020, and registered at the MS clinic. The survey included 26 sociodemographic/MS-related items and 40 items assessing access and barriers based on Levesque’s framework. Access was measured as time-to-prescription, time-to-follow-up, and a curated access survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics explored relationships between access times, sociodemographic factors, and QoL.
Results: Sixty-eight participants (44 female, 24 male), mean age 35.81 (SD 10.20) at diagnosis, met inclusion criteria. ICP targets for prescription and follow-up were met, with access aligning with affordability, appropriateness, and acceptability. Barriers were noted in availability and patient perception. A significant negative correlation (p = .001) was found between time-to-DMT prescription and QoL, suggesting timely DMT access may improve QoL.
Conclusion: An ICP for MS may enhance DMT access and supportive care, with early DMT initiation potentially linked to improved QoL.
Description
Keywords
Multiple Sclerosis, Disease Modifying Therapy, DMT, Access
Citation
Degree
Master of Nursing (M.N.)
Department
Nursing
Program
Nursing