When you think of your MS care team, who do you picture? Some people may only receive care from a neurologist and MS nurse. But others may receive support from additional HCPs who are specialists in seeing to particular problems that are related to MS. Together, this wider team can help to provide you with the support you need. 

However, the recent shift into virtual care has been a challenge for many HCPs, with 75% feeling that the pandemic has had a negative impact on the way they treat and manage their MS patients.

Take a look below at the aspects of MS care that different specialist HCPs are responsible for and see how you can help them to improve the care they can give you during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every journey with MS is different, so the actual list of HCPs that make up your team will depend on your specific needs.

It can be difficult for your neurologists to monitor your MS during virtual appointments, so the more information you can give them, the better. Try using an app on your smartphone or tablet to track your symptoms, or write down any symptoms you wish to discuss with your neurologist in a notebook to act as a reminder at your next appointment. If your neurologist believes that your MS requires a more thorough physical assessment, you may be asked if you feel comfortable going to see them in person.

Like neurologists, your MS nurse is likely to offer their support by video call or over the phone during the pandemic. You can make the most of the support they can give you by preparing for your discussions. Try to get into the habit of writing down anything related to your MS that you’d like to talk about with your MS nurse between appointments. This way, you won’t forget anything you’d like to bring up and can prioritise topics that are most important to you.

The physiotherapist can help you maintain and improve your physical function and movement. In MS, they support in taking up physical activity and exercise, helping you to continue leading an active and independent life. They can also help you to better manage your MS symptoms, such as stiffness, balance and muscle spasms.

Unfortunately, physiotherapy is an area in particular where many appointments have been cancelled to avoid physical contact between patients and HCPs, and to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Depending on your health and where you live, your physio appointments might be in person. But if they are instead offered remotely, try to have them over a video call as opposed to on the phone. This means that you can continue to be taught exercises to complete at home and your physio can correct any errors they see in your technique.

Similarly to physiotherapy, many home visits, were cancelled and replaced with virtual appointments early on in the pandemic. And where home visits aren’t necessarily needed, support may continue to be offered by video call or over the phone.

To help your therapist to really understand the problems you experience and suggest beneficial solutions, prepare a list of things you’d like to discuss during your virtual appointments. Have a think about the physical challenges that MS brings to your daily life and be ready to talk about the success or lack of success you’ve had with past recommendations they have made.

These therapists can help to assess, diagnose and manage speech, cognitive communication and swallowing problems in people living with MS. For example, they can help to improve slurred speech and assist people who have difficulty in remembering or concentrating on things involving words. 

Luckily, speech and language therapy is one area of support that has transitioned well into virtual care during the pandemic. Whether it be by video call or phone, many therapists can now offer you the support that you need remotely.

Make the most of the time you have with your therapist by taking your appointment call in a place where you can comfortably speak out loud and won’t be interrupted. This will help you to stay focused on the conversation being had and any exercises you’re being asked to do.

Much like speech and language therapists, psychologists are able to offer a good level of support over virtual appointments. The conversations you have with your psychologist are valuable, so it’s important that you choose a quiet room where you won’t be disturbed. Be ready to talk openly about any cognitive and emotional problems you are experiencing. Keeping a diary of your symptoms and how you’ve been feeling can be really beneficial in helping you and your psychologist to identify patterns.

To make sure that you’re making the most of the knowledge and expertise your dietitian has to offer, go to your appointments prepared with any questions you wish to ask and keep a pen and paper nearby so you can take down any notes during your conversation.