Guidelines addressing Motor Neurone Disease (MND): a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition affecting individuals, families, and carers. Evidence-informed care can improve outcomes, and guidelines play a key role in supporting this. A preliminary search showed limited guidelines exist, with none developed for the Australian context. This review aimed to identify existing health and social care guidelines for MND.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Guidelines addressing health and social care for people with MND, gene carriers, family members, or carers were included regardless of publication status. Five databases and additional sources were searched. Two reviewers independently screened citations, and data were extracted and analysed descriptively, with qualitative content analysis grouping guideline questions. Reporting followed PRISMA-ScR.

RESULTS

Forty-two guidelines covering 133 questions were included. Most focused on symptom management for people with MND and were produced by professional bodies. Few used GRADE methodology or systematic reviews, and only seven assessed risk of bias. No guideline was developed for Australia.

CONCLUSIONS

A high-quality, evidence-based MND guideline following best practice development methods is needed.