A new study published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders explores the evidence behind multidisciplinary team (MDT) care for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), highlighting well-supported roles identifying gaps that require further research. The study, led by researchers from FutureNeuro, Trinity College Dublin, St James’s Hospital, and the University of Oulu, systematically reviewed over 400 publications to evaluate the contributions of individual healthcare professionals in MS Units. 

Why Team-Based Care Matters for MS 

MS is one of the leading causes of non-traumatic disability in young adults, affecting cognitive, motor, sensory, and emotional functions. While pharmacological treatments can slow disease progression, they cannot reverse existing damage, making comprehensive, team-based care essential for optimising patient outcomes. 

“MS affects people in so many different ways, so it makes sense that the best care comes from a team of specialists working together,” said Michael Savio, lead author at Trinity College Dublin. “With this paper, we wanted to show the evidence behind that approach and highlight just how important psychology is in supporting people with MS.” 

Strong Evidence for Some Roles, Uncertainty for Others 

The study found strong support for several key professionals in MS care: 

• Neurologists and MS nurses are essential for managing disease progression, coordinating care, and educating patients. 

• Physiotherapists play a significant role in mobility, rehabilitation, and managing mental health concerns like anxiety. 

• Psychologists and mental health professionals are linked to improved mental health outcomes and better coping mechanisms for patients, though they remain underrepresented in MS Units. 

 However, the study also identified roles where further research is needed: 

• Occupational therapy, often considered an important component of neurorehabilitation, is underrepresented in the literature. 

• Inpatient rehabilitation practices varied widely, with no clear standardisation or best practices. 

• Speech and language therapy and urology services had mixed levels of evidence; some studies support their importance but there is a lack of large-scale research validating their impact. 

A Call for Evidence-based Policy in MS Care 

FutureNeuro Clinical Researcher Dr Hugh Kearney, a co-author of the study and neurologist at St James’s Hospital, emphasized the need for evidence-driven healthcare policy: 

“Healthcare practice and policy are best when informed by research evidence. In this case, we derive strong evidence for the need for psychologists in an MS Unit. We believe this should now inform policy regarding the allocation of resources.” 

Looking Ahead 

The study highlights the need for further research into underexamined MDT roles and calls for policymakers to prioritise staffing strategies that ensure comprehensive MS care. Additionally, the findings raise important questions about how digital health solutions could be integrated into MDT models. 

“Just as we didn’t have enough evidence on the specific roles for an MS unit, we face a similar challenge with how we are approaching technology in patient care,” said Dr Guido Giunti, co-author and Adjunct Professor at Trinity College Dublin. “We are seeing more digital health solutions for MS, but how will they fit into these multidisciplinary teams?” 

By identifying both strengths and gaps in current MDT approaches, this research—led in part by FutureNeuro—provides valuable insights that can help shape better care for people living with MS.