QL22
Employment Register of Patients on Natalizumab
The MS Society report “A Lottery of Treatment and Care – MS Services across the UK” was based on questionnaires from 10,530 patients. This report found that many people with MS can – and want – to work, but, only one in four people with MS who are of working age are employed, compared to three out of four of the wider UK population. The report found that in two out of three cases, MS undermines employment and career opportunities and, that on average, a person with the condition misses out on 18 years of working life.
Objectives:
To compare the employment status of Sunderland patients on natalizumab with that of the employment status as reported in the MS Society
Methods:
Patients are routinely asked their employment status and that is then known by the MS Nurse Specialist so can then be compared
Results:
There are currently 30 patients currently on natalizumab, 20 men and 10 women. 93% of all working age patients are in employment compared to 25% nationally. 100% of patients aged 18-30 are working compared to 54% nationally. 89% of patients aged 31-50 are working compared to 42% nationally, and there are no Sunderland natalizumab patients in the older 51-65 section that the MS Society report collated. 25 were working pre-natalizumab. 4 more patients found employment since starting natalizumab. 21 live fully independently. None require full time care
Disease Modifying Treatment may positively influence the employment prospects for patients with MS, and this was the outcome of abstracts from Sweden and Germany. In the UK the MS Society reports that four out of five people with MS become unemployed within 10 years of diagnosis., and living with a disability often comes with additional costs, which can range from simply getting out and about, to paying for help around the house, informal care and prepared meals, the cost of prescriptions (in England) or the extra costs of heating, specialist equipment and transport.
Conclusions:
Sunderland Royal patients on natalizumab have a much better employment status than those reported in the MS Society “A Lottery of Treatment and Care” report, and currently no Sunderland patients on natalizumab have a requirement for full time care. Prompt diagnosis and access to effective treatment may have helped to achieve this.