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NEW POSSIBILITIES

IN SMA

Many adults living with SMA lead fulfilling and productive lives. And now that supportive care is improving and the therapeutic landscape is changing, care expectations are even greater.1

The characters shown are real patients and the required consent to use their stories has been obtained from the patients and families. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only.

SMA CAN
BE CONFUSING

No one understands the impact of SMA better than the patient. However, there can be confusion and a lack of awareness about the different care options that are available and the benefits they provide.

Optimising the care of adult patients living with SMA is all about delivering high-quality, evidence-based, and patient-centered healthcare.1 More importantly, it’s about helping patients get the most from their lives on a day-to-day basis.

“It is important to adapt the message especially when talking to adult patients to make sure they have understood. If you give information that is too complex, sometimes that gets more confusing for them. I want to be sure that they have understood the message.”2

- Neurologist, Academic Medical Centre, France

THE BENEFITS OF SHARED DECISION MAKING WHEN DISCUSSING CARE OPTIONS

lamp Discussing care options requires a careful appraisal of a patient's goals and expectations. There can be a lot of information to impart. Giving your patients visual aids and printed materials can help them understand more easily.

puzzleGiven the complex nature of SMA, it is probable that your adult patients will need time to review all the available information on the various care options. Providing time to digest the information will allow them to make an informed decision about the plan that is best suited to their needs. Several consultations may be required in order to reach a mutually agreeable care plan.

NO ONE KNOWS THEIR SMA BETTER THAN THOSE LIVING WITH IT

Adults living with SMA value healthcare services that set collaborative goals.1 To ensure the best outcome for your patients, it is important to incorporate patient views into clinical care plans and acknowledge the shared wisdom of people living with SMA.1

The goals of adults living with SMA may include maintaining their independence to continue studying, working, travelling or looking after their family.

Involving adults living with SMA in the decision-making process can lead to improved healthcare and better outcomes.3,4

In a study of how adults and adolescents with SMA perceive and experience healthcare,

10 of 25

PARTICIPANTS

described their experience with their healthcare provider as either brief or superficial.1

"It’s pretty important to me that I've got a good relationship with my doctor. I have to build up a rapport before I open up to them.”1

- Patient living with Type II SMA

WE CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT IS IMPORTANT FOR ADULTS LIVING WITH SMA

In a US survey of adults living with SMA and their caregivers, the five most important treatment goals, ranked in order of importance, were:5

  • Using the toilet unassisted
  • Spending time alone/being independent
  • Engage in social activities/building relationships
  • Attend to personal hygiene independently
  • Chew and swallow food

In the same survey, the five most important benefits, in terms of activities of daily living, ranked in order of importance, were:5

  • Increased mobility independence
  • Using the toilet unassisted
  • Self-feeding
  • Spending time alone/being independent
  • Turning in bed

In an international survey of adults living with SMA (N=359), the most important issues that had the greatest effects on their lives were:6

sitterLimitations with mobility or walking98,6%OF RESPONDENTS

walkerInability to do activities 98,6%OF RESPONDENTS

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PATIENTS AND GOALS

agree Once you have agreed on the best care options for your patient, it is important to agree on the goals of therapy. These should be specific goals that can be realistically achieved with the chosen care plan. Ideally, these goals should have a defined timeframe.

“Slowing down a disease that inevitably degenerates and progresses, it represents a greatvictory for me”2

- Neurologist, Hospital Network, Italy

REMEMBER…

  • There are new treatment options available for adults living with SMA
  • Without intervention, adults living with SMA will lose motor function
  • Even the smallest improvement can have a major impact on your patient's quality of life
  • People living with SMA can share important information regarding the impact of the disease and care needs
  • Shared decision making can lead to better outcomes and help achieve realistic expectations for adults living with SMA

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The characters shown are real patients and the required consent to use their stories has been obtained from the patients and families. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only.

References

1. Wan HWY, et al. “Getting ready for the adult world”: how adults with spinal muscular atrophy perceive and experience healthcare, transition and well-being. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2019;14:74.

2. IQVIA Qualitative Research 2020. Conduced with 47 adult SMA patients and 36 neurologists in five countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Spain).

3. De Santis M, et al. Patient empowerment of people living with rare diseases. Its contribution to sustainable and resilient healthcare systems. Ann 1st Super Sanita 2019;55:283–91.

4. Spatz ES, Spertus JA. Shared decision making: a path toward improved patient-centered outcomes. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2012;5:e75–7.

5. Cruz R, et al. Evaluating benefit-risk decision-making in spinal muscular atrophy: a first-ever study to assess risk tolerance in the SMA patient community. Clin Ther 2019;41:943–60.e4.

6. Mongiovi P, et al. Patient reported impact of symptoms in spinal muscular atrophy (PRISM-SMA). Neurology 2018;91:e1206–14.