Project Name: Service redesign for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, Collaborative Working Project (CWP).

Project Summary: 

The CWP aims to foster collaboration between Novartis and the CW Partner to enhance the multiple sclerosis (MS) service delivery for patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Through this partnership, the parties seek to leverage their combined expertise to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare processes. The ultimate goal is to develop innovative solutions that address the challenges faced by patients diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, and provide more efficient, effective care.

The CWP aims to introduce an MS specialist nurse, band 8a to the CW Partner’s MS service, to deliver new MS clinics, create a rapid access clinic by reviewing patient notes and where appropriate, providing treatment optimization, for patients who are identified as requiring it.

Success of the CWP will be measured by the following KPIs:

  • The actual number of additional clinic reviews carried out by the CWP role.
  • The actual number of additional reviews for patients that are new to service, carried out by the CW Partner’s existing band 8c role, from a baseline of 1 to 2 patients per week.
  • The average time from multi disciplinary team (MDT) treatment decision to treatment initiation, from a baseline of an average of 12 weeks.

By continuously monitoring these metrics, the CWP seeks to ensure tangible improvements in healthcare provision and patient well-being.

Milestones: 

Milestone 1: CWP kick-off meeting and set up of subsequent quarterly reviews.

Milestone 2: Recruitment and onboarding of the CWP Role, and clinic start. 

Milestone 3: Commencement of data analysis for baseline measures, and 3 month CWP review meeting. 

Milestones 4 to 8: clinical activity with data submission and CWP review every 3 months and the creation of a business case at milestone 8. 

Milestone 9: CWP wrap up meeting and outcomes summary finalised.

Expected Benefits: 

Patient.

  • Improved patient outcomes due to faster time from referral to treatment time.
  • Improved access to NICE recommended therapy through the increased reviews as a result of this CWP.
  • Enhanced patient experience and satisfaction of the NHS MS service by reducing unnecessary waiting times.

CW Partner (Ie: NHS)

  • Appropriate use of skill set across the service.
  • Accelerated access to services.
  • Improved quality of care.
  • Reduction in patient waiting lists.
  • Improved MDT efficiency and outcomes.
  • Improved experience of staff by spreading workload.

Novartis.

  • Novartis is likely to see positive outcomes as a result of the collaborative working project with Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. By enhancing the multiple sclerosis service delivery, the project aims to improve patient outcomes for those patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). As more patients are reviewed, there is potential for greater utilization of Novartis's medicines, in line with national and local guidelines, where appropriate, leading to improved patient care.
  • To assist in the redesign and better use of the RRMS management patient pathway, improved understanding of the pressure points and priorities associated with the MS service and backlog of patients pending reviews. This will enable Novartis to build better projects in this therapy area in other regions of the UK with an aim to help more RRMS patients receive a timely review.

Start Date & Expected Duration: September 2025 for 27 months or CWP completion, whichever should first occur.

FA-11498445