Interferon Beta-1b for Multiple Sclerosis: Service Provision Promoting Therapy Adherence in Queensland, Australia

Adherence issues are an important consideration in the long-term support of patients who are using immunotherapies as part of their overall multiple sclerosis (MS) management. The MS Clinic nursing service at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH) in Queensland, Australia, is staffed by two registered nurses. The service is responsible for disseminating MS-specific information and education on immunotherapies to people with MS, other health professionals, and community groups. Literature strongly suggests that psychosocial, physical, emotional, cognitive, and knowledge factors affect adherence rates. Perhaps the most important factor is patient expectations of therapy and perceptions of treatment success and failure. This article is a snapshot of a clinical service provided by a hospital-based public health MS nursing service.