The University of Delaware MS Assessment Clinic continues to provide free, multi-disciplinary evaluations to persons battling Multiple Sclerosis.

Local professionals from other health disciplines including Occupational Health, Nutrition, Gait, Counseling, Energy Expenditure, a representative for Durable Medical Equipment, and a staff member from the MS Society Delaware Chapter generously volunteer their time to the clinic. These professionals provide an initial assessment and then make a referral if further evaluation appears necessary.

This year the clinic became the only MS Assessment Class in the country as a one credit elective. In addition to regular responsibilities, each clinic staff member was also required to critique peer reviewed journal articles regarding current MS research and PT treatment in attempt to make their assessments and home exercise programs evidence based.

The MS Assessment Clinic is not only beneficial for the participants, but also provides the DPT students a hands-on experience to gain confidence when working with this specific patient population. Those involved in the clinic will be better equipped to treat a patient with MS in his/her future practice. Many DPT students have also expressed interest in taking a more pro-active role with the MS population down the road. The MS Assessment Clinic is in its eighth year and continues to grow bigger and better each year.

-- Matthew Scott, SPT