Motor neuron disease (MND) is a relentlessly progressive and incurable neurodegenerative disorder leading to muscle weakness, disability, and eventually death. MND patients have heterogeneous clinical presentation, depending on the population of involved motor neurons. MND may first manifest as weakness in any body segment including the bulbar, cervical, thoracic, or lumbosacral region. The disease progression and survival of MND patients are also variable.
With the liaison with different subspecialties, an integrated MND clinic was established at Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) in 2015. The core team members include palliative care physician and nurse, neurologist and neurology nurse, respiratory physician and nurse, and medical social worker. Based on the needs of individual patients, other allied health teams would be involved. Case conferences are conducted regularly for team members to share information and to determine the management plan.
The arrangement of a one-stop integrated clinic aims to lessen patient's burden of multiple hospital visits and to improve compliance, especially at the later stage when patients have significant symptoms and limited mobility. Home visits are conducted by palliative care nurses between clinical visits to monitor their physical symptoms, psychospiritual distresses and social needs, as well as to offer support to their caregivers.
This presentation highlights the key findings of a recent local study conducted to assess the impact of an integrated multidisciplinary clinic on MND patients. Case illustration showcasing MND patients who received palliative care will also be included, highlighting the multidisciplinary approach employed in addressing the complex needs of MND patients. By focusing on holistic support, effective symptom management, and patient-centered care, the quality of life of MND patients and their families can be significantly improved.
