Using computer models to improve the way people with MND are supported to make decisions about their care based on their individual needs.
Principal Investigator: Dr Haris Stavroulakis
Lead Institution: University of Sheffield
MND Association Funding: £273,249
Funding dates: September 2024 - December 2027
About the project
People with MND experience different symptoms and have different rates of disease progression to others with the same disease. This means that it can be difficult for clinicians to predict when people may need certain services and medical procedures, such as fitting a feeding tube. People with MND don’t have reliable information about their disease course and what the future might look like for them, meaning that decisions around treatment may be delayed until it is needed. This research aims to improve the way people are supported to make decisions about their own care based on their individual needs. The researchers have already developed computer models that can predict the likely timing of feeding tube and wheelchair needs for individuals. This project will use interviews and questionnaires to gather the views and preferences of people with MND, carers and clinicians to understand how these computer models might be used to develop resources which aim to support people to make decisions about their care.
What could this mean for MND research?
This project may help to improve ways of supporting people to make informed decisions about their care in a timely and effective manner, considering their unique disease. It could provide a new way to predict disease progression for people with MND and offer a more accurate prognosis for each individual person.
Project code: 2327-794