University launches multiple sclerosis web portal

Swansea University is piloting an online web portal that will combine anonymous and confidential information from patients with clinical data and routine NHS information. The project, which Swansea was asked to develop by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, aims to improve care in the UK by finding out more about how people are affected by the condition, how long they have had it, their symptoms and the level of care they receive. Hospital staff in Belfast, Edinburgh, Swansea, Nottingham and London are trialling the service. They will add clinical information to the register, and anyone in the UK that has multiple sclerosis is able to register and input information about their condition. Dave Ford, leader of the project at Swansea University, said that the project was the first of its kind. He believes that gathering information from both patients and the health service will, for the first time, build up an accurate picture of the disease. "We have worked with a number of people with multiple sclerosis and so far their attitudes have been overwhelmingly positive. They're really supportive of the idea and they are obviously delighted that there is something like this finally out there," he said. Ford said his team was also working with a number of local NHS bodies in the pilot areas to raise awareness of the register. He explained that he was keen to harness all social media where possible, which includes the development of a free online app of the service for iPhones. If successful the service may be rolled out to other parts of the UK, said Ford, adding that it may also pave the way for better access to therapies for patients or clinical trials. He said the ultimate aim was to eventually map everyone in the UK that has multiple sclerosis. "This study may also be a platform for further research," he added. This article is published by Guardian Professional. Join the Guardian Healthcare Network to receive regular emails on NHS innovation.