Objectives of a multiple sclerosis service by level of illness
| Level | Objectives of service(s) |
|---|---|
| Pathology | Make initial diagnosis as rapidly as possible |
| Always check or confirm diagnosis, especially if new impairment | |
| Diagnose (and manage) any secondary diagnoses arising as complication | |
| Diagnose (and manage) any incidental diseases | |
| Institute and monitor any disease modifying treatments | |
| Impairment | Identify impairments present |
| Check that (new) impairments are due to multiple sclerosis (see pathology) | |
| Consider significance/importance of impairment, and potential for amelioration | |
| Institute and monitor impairment specific treatments | |
| Disability | Identify disabilities present |
| Assess (diagnose) to discover impairments underlying disability (and check cause of impairments; see above) | |
| Assess (diagnose) to discover environmental factors influencing disability | |
| Institute and monitor impairment specific treatments (see impairment) | |
| Institute and monitor treatments to reduce disabilities | |
| Institute and monitor changes in environment (physical or personal) | |
| Handicap | Identify previous, present, and wished-for social roles |
| Identify local resources which might facilitate increase in social activities | |
| Assess for and obtain all financial and other benefits allowed | |
| Institute and monitor actions to facilitate social role functioning | |
| Patient distress (reduction of) | Provide information and emotional support, especially (but not only) at time of initial diagnosis |
| Control pain and other distressing impairments (for example, spasticity) | |
| Carer stress (reduction of) | Provide information and emotional support, especially (but not only) at time of initial diagnosis |
| Provide practical support to extent wanted by patient and family |