The MS Society is the UK’s leading charity for the 107,000 people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their carers across the UK. In Scotland it is estimated that there are over 11,000 people living with MS.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Needs Assessment and Engagement, Invitation to Tender – Tayside Health Board Area
Output
To deliver a comprehensive gaps analysis and needs assessment report that details:
1) From a Commissioning, provider or health and social care professional perspective, detailed insight through desk based research into the current challenges and gaps analysis around effectively supporting people with MS, specific to each area in Tayside, broken down by each Local Authority area and building on the area profiles (see: ‘Additional support’)
2) A commentary on the challenges or barriers to ‘living well’ with MS that people face at defined stages of their illness.
3) A commentary on what matters most to those with MS in those areas in terms of being effectively supported to live their life with MS
Findings should be segmented into the following categories:
• Newly diagnosed (estimated 5% of MS population)
• Learning to live with MS (estimated 35% of MS population)
Feedback should also be sought from those who have ‘had MS for many years +15 years)’ (estimated 60% of MS population) on what would have improved their experience in the earlier stage of their illness. However the emphasis of the report should focus on the ‘Newly diagnosed’ and ‘Learning to live with’ MS groups.
Purpose
This report will provide the MS Society Scotland with a comprehensive needs assessment/gaps analysis for this area in Scotland. The report will form the basis of future service design work and restricted funding bids (including Big Lottery Fund). The report should help identify service and support gaps.
The report should explore gaps and needs in a co-productive way to ensure that any services that are developed are: what people affected by MS need; and do not duplicate existing services but rather connect services. This will enable us to develop the best services and support for people affected by MS, based on identified needs
Additionally, the intelligence gained about how best to engage and communicate with people affected by MS on an ongoing, longer term basis, will feed into a Society-wide approach
