- Multidisciplinary clinics are where pALS and cALS (patients and caregivers) can be seen – in one visit – by the neurologist, PT and OT, nutritionist, speech therapist, mobility specialist, pulmonary specialist, and assistive device specialist. pALS and cALS get targeted care, helping people live life better, safer, and longer. In some cases, these clinics also allow pALS to take part in clinical trials. Being able to see and get advice from all of these specialists in one visit is especially important as the effects of the disease take their toll. However, not enough patients can take advantage of the benefits of the clinics because there just aren’t enough of them.
- The Husman ALS Center in Florida is focusing on the Hispanic population, working to give them access to care, treatments, and clinical trials.
- Working to bring care into the home: As ALS takes its toll on the body, it's so very important to be able to bring care into the home: telehealth, doctors, licensed practitioners, and information for pALS and cALS to improve and enhance at-home care and relieve patient and caregiver stress. A study is being set up to compare telehealth vs in-home visits from a doctor. Telehealth has increased and improved since the Covid pandemic. Now, there is a need to get better legislation to secure funding to improve telehealth.
Expressed by the conference panelists was the need for more advocates in DC to obtain additional resources to support:
- More multidisciplinary clinics
- Care extending to the home
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