Understanding Routine Treatment and Resource Availability for Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND

Fifty-five to ninety percent of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) report disabling fatigue, but a previous survey found that only 31% of UK adults with MS experiencing fatigue report being offered any treatment. The aim of this study was to capture the service perspective of routine care for MS fatigue and resource availability.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to NHS services across the United Kingdom to be completed by healthcare professionals working with people with MS.

RESULTS

Eighteen services completed the survey. Services supported a median of 1100 patients. Allied healthcare professional availability varied across services but was generally low (median range 0-6 staff per type). On average, services estimated that only 28% (SD = 26.51) of patients were receiving fatigue treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlighted the unmet need around MS fatigue management, complementing previously captured patient perspectives. Although the study included a small, self-selecting subset of services and may have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, it demonstrates the necessity of accounting for resource availability to successfully implement new fatigue interventions.