Innovative Educational Approach to Multiple Sclerosis Care

Hackensack, NJ -- (SBWire) -- 03/03/2015 --Two innovative CME/CNE programs are now being offered by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), the leading educational and professional development organization for MS healthcare professionals. "Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis" and "Treatment and Management of Multiple Sclerosis" are new virtual simulation programs that are designed to enhance healthcare professionals' treatment of patients with MS through an interactive educational platform.

"Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis" utilizes advanced 3D real-time technology that responds to a physician's clinical decisions and helps them build a clinically definite MS diagnosis for three patient types according to the 2010 McDonald Criteria.

Participants will recognize and utilize key features for the neurologic examination and patient's history that support the diagnosis of MS. They will also increase their ability to apply neuroimaging findings and correlate with disease activity and progression in MS to enhance clinical judgments and treatment decisions.

"Treatment and Management of Multiple Sclerosis" also utilizes the real-time advanced 3D technology and responds to a physician's clinical decisions as they treat virtual patients with MS according to best clinical practices. Physicians can work through seven challenging, highly interactive scenarios utilizing game technology in a "risk-free" environment where every decision receives invaluable feedback from MS experts.

Participants in "Treatment and Management of Multiple Sclerosis" will be able to identify the spectrum of clinical manifestations in MS and develop treatment strategies for cognitive changes, depression, and motor symptoms that can facilitate improved adherence to the therapies. The program also provides information on a team-based approach to management of the disease and incorporates appropriate pharmaco-therapeutics and strategies to enhance patient adherence.

Medical professionals will learn more about identifying and treating MS relapses utilizing medications, rehabilitation, and symptomatic care. They will also learn about the important role non-specialists can play in a multidisciplinary team for the treatment of MS, including appropriate indications for referral to an MS specialist.

This advance simulation approach to continuing education has received favorable feedback from the medical community. "This is the best online CME I have participated in. The interactive approach leads to learning and retention of information," said a NP in Family Medicine.

The virtual simulations programs are designed for neurologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals who care for patients with MS. Accreditation is provided through the joint partnership of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), Nurse Practitioner Alternatives, and Syandus Inc. The CMSC is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Nurse Practitioner Alternatives is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Commission on Accreditation.

These activities were supported by educational grants from Bayer, Biogen Idec, EMD Serono, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, and Teva Pharmaceuticals.

Access to the Virtual MS Patients Simulations can be found at http://www.cmscscholar.org or by visiting http://www.alivemed.com and entering the code 53P4.

About CMSC
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 2015 CMSC Annual Meeting will take place May 27-30, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For more information go to http://www.mscare.org

About SYANDUS
Syandus is a leader in intelligent simulation learning technology. Focused in medicine and life science, the company creates digital experience-driven learning environments for clinical training, patient engagement, and life science education. Its unique approach, developed with multiple awards from the National Science Foundation, combines game technology and clinical algorithms to create responsive personalized learning experiences. Syandus collaborates with medical societies, universities, medical schools, and faculty experts to translate complex topics into approachable learning simulations suitable for the target audience. Syandus' proprietary platform consists of simulation technology, app based delivery (mobile, PC, Mac), and comprehensive analytics of user interactions, performance, and outcomes.

For more information go to http://www.syandus.com