A Flint-based Multiple Sclerosis Center: Is There a Need and Is It Feasible?

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to examine the need for and feasibility of developing a Flint-Based Multiple Sclerosis Center. Two population surveys were developed to determine if there is a need for an MS center in Flint. The first survey was sent to 300 people who have Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and who lived in a select county. The second survey was sent to 206 Michigan MS providers. The providers targeted for this survey were neurologists and nurse practitioners. The feasibility of developing a Flint-Based MS Center was determined by examination of the MS related services offered in Flint. Three major medical centers’ services and a local academic university’s services and programs were examined. The services chosen to determine feasibility are those that the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers recommends a comprehensive MS center offer. The results of this study show that there is a need for a Flint-Based MS Center and that its development is feasible.