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MSWA Bulletin Magazine Summer 2018

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HEALTH ECONOMIC IMPACT

HEALTH ECONOMIC IMPACT OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IN AUSTRALIA IN 2017 SUMMARISED BY SUE SHAPLAND RN, BN, Cert MS Nursing, MSCN OPEN DAY TO HELP WITH NDIS PLANS BRAND AND COMMUNICATIONS As mentioned in Dr Greg Brotherson’s editorial, this updated review of the Economic Impact of MS in Australia was officially launched in August this year. The full report and an executive summary can be found on the MS Research Australia website. Data from various sources was reviewed and this included the detailed diaries of expenditure from 400 participants from the Australian MS Longitudinal Study; a key research study running in Australia since 2002. Some key points of interest: • Number of people living with MS in Australia has increased by approximately 20% since 2010; currently estimated at 25,607 • 103.7 people per 100,000 population have MS • The percentage of people using disease modifying therapies (DMTs) has increased by 40% since 2010 • The latitude gradient of MS prevalence remains evident, with the highest numbers in Tasmania at 138.7/100,000 and WA with 87.7/100,000 • The total cost for all people with MS in Australia has increased substantially from .24 billion in 2010 to .75 billion, ie 41%, in 2017. This is due to both an increase in the number of people living with MS and the increased costs per person including the increased cost of DMTs • The total costs per person of MS were slightly higher for males • The costs of people on DMTs are slightly higher, driven by the higher costs of the latest medications, but informal care costs and costs from lost wages are lower • Lost wages now account for only 32% of the economic burden of MS compared to almost 50% in 2010 • The quality of life for people with MS is 31% lower than the Australian population norm. This is primarily driven by the impact of pain, independent living, mental health and relationships • People with secondary progressive MS had the highest total costs despite the significant drop in costs relating to DMTs • The annual per person cost of MS is comparable to those of a person with Parkinson’s Disease, or the first year after a stroke; and three times that of a person with Type 2 Diabetes The report provides a valuable overview of the key factors influencing the economic impact and direct and indirect cost of living with MS. It has allowed comparison with the previous study released in 2010 and will allow for future comparisons which will also take into account the impact of the NDIS for both the individual and the economy. The future review will also show the impact on costs through access to the NDIS and long-term benefit from the DMTs. It is pleasing to read that employment data is improving for people with MS in Australia. This is thought to relate to both the positive effect of the DMTs and greater awareness of the importance of effective symptom management. Three of MWA’s facilities recently opened its doors to the public as the National Disability Scheme (NDIS) continues to roll-out across Perth and the South West. Three Open Days were held in October across MSWA facilities in Joondalup, Wilson and Bunbury. MSWA want people to know that we’re here to help and for many people with neurological conditions, putting an NDIS plan in place can be daunting. The MSWA team of NDIS experts can take the stress out of creating an NDIS plan by guiding people through the process, and ensuring they get the best from their own personalised plan, that delivers them the services they need. As well as learning more about the NDIS, the Open Days were an ideal opportunity for people to find out more about the services we deliver, meet our friendly staff and take a tour of our recently renovated and refurbished facilities. People living in these areas have embraced the opportunity to receive services closer to home. The MSWA Joondalup Centre is our latest addition to an expanding network of facilities providing services tailored to meet increased demand under the NDIS to support our customers with all neurological conditions. 12 | MSWA BULLETIN SUMMER 2018 MSWA BULLETIN SUMMER 2018 | 13

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