Australian healthcare professionals report diagnostic delays, difficulties accessing timely multidisciplinary support, and challenges coordinating care for people living with motor neurone disease, particularly outside MND clinic catchment areas.
A survey of 50 Australian healthcare professionals (55% response rate) identified key challenges in MND clinical assessment and management, including diagnostic delays, access to multidisciplinary care, and coordination issues. Respondents also perceived uncertainty in respiratory support, nutrition, saliva management, and psychological/cognitive care, with variations from guidance due to evidence gaps, need for individualized care, and systemic constraints.
Evidence Score
Study Evidence
Study 1. Issues in the clinical assessment and management of people living with motor neurone disease (MND): a survey of Australian healthcare professionals.
observationalSemendric I, Munn Z, Jenkins T, Edwards A, Tull V, Travlos V, Hutchinson K, Krikheli L, Sheers N, Hall LA, Chua P, Hatch N, Allcroft P, Werth B, Saffrett A, Yoong J, Cooper L, Signorelli M, Farrugia E, Devenney E, Douglas A, Gibb A, Macshane M, Gardiner M, Collins A, Yang J, Rogerson B, Schultz D, Lim D, Fisher F, Herz H, Puckering H, Swain I, Cameron J, Donnelly L, Davis L, Anderson L, Acampora M, Heatley R, Taubert S, Sheehy T, Sia T, Aiyappan V, Huynh W, Stern C · Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis & frontotemporal degeneration (2026)
Result:
Mechanism Graph
Limitations
- ⚠Survey limited to members of the Australian MND Guideline Clinical and Content Advisory Group, potentially not representative of all Australian HCPs
- ⚠Predominantly allied health professionals, with limited representation from other disciplines (e.g., neurologists, nurses)
- ⚠Self-reported data may be subject to recall bias
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main challenges Australian healthcare professionals face in managing MND?▼
The main challenges include diagnostic delays, difficulties accessing timely multidisciplinary support, and challenges coordinating care, especially outside MND clinic catchment areas.
Which areas of MND care did healthcare professionals perceive as uncertain?▼
Healthcare professionals perceived uncertainty in respiratory support, nutrition, saliva management, and psychological and cognitive care.
Why do practice variations occur in MND management according to the survey?▼
Practice variations reflect gaps and inconsistencies in the evidence base, the need for individualized care, and systemic constraints including funding, workforce shortages, and inequities in access.
What guidance do non-MND specialists seek regarding MND care?▼
Non-MND specialists sought guidance on prognosis, referral pathways, symptom management, and end-of-life care.
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References
- 1.Semendric I, Munn Z, Jenkins T, Edwards A, Tull V, Travlos V, Hutchinson K, Krikheli L, Sheers N, Hall LA, Chua P, Hatch N, Allcroft P, Werth B, Saffrett A, Yoong J, Cooper L, Signorelli M, Farrugia E, Devenney E, Douglas A, Gibb A, Macshane M, Gardiner M, Collins A, Yang J, Rogerson B, Schultz D, Lim D, Fisher F, Herz H, Puckering H, Swain I, Cameron J, Donnelly L, Davis L, Anderson L, Acampora M, Heatley R, Taubert S, Sheehy T, Sia T, Aiyappan V, Huynh W, Stern C. "Issues in the clinical assessment and management of people living with motor neurone disease (MND): a survey of Australian healthcare professionals.." Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis & frontotemporal degeneration, 2026. PMID: 42565285 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2026.2710550