Hackensack, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/02/2014 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) in partnership with Syandus is pleased to announce a new virtual support group for MS patients entitled "Virtual Conversations in Multiple Sclerosis: Taking Control of My Therapy."

"Treatment adherence is a significant challenge for multiple sclerosis patients during the course of disease," said June Halper, CEO of CMSC. "This virtual simulation was created to educate MS patients and their caregivers to help them improve adherence, advocate for themselves, and assist them in establishing a stronger relationship with their healthcare providers."

Lack of adherence to therapy (medicines, treatment protocols, and life style) significantly impacts health outcomes and cost of care. Because reasons for nonadherence are often multifaceted, it is difficult for patients to address their self-care needs, concerns, and challenges from a static educational program. The virtual conversation platform enables patients and their caregivers to interact with friendly, knowledgeable virtual patients in a private conversational setting.

"Virtual Conversations in Multiple Sclerosis: Taking Control of My Therapy;" features three virtual patients of mixed gender, age and ethnicity in a support group moderated by a virtual nurse who specializes in MS. The three patients share their knowledge gaps, misconceptions and emotional fears that they experienced when they were first newly diagnosed. The user then chooses the viewpoints that are most relatable and guide the support group discussion. There are over 100 interaction points throughout the conversation and the user can request more information and resources.

Some examples of the patients perspectives that are shared and discussed in the virtual conversation include: "I don't understand most of what my doctor says;" "Maybe the doctor is wrong and I don't have MS;" "I really hate needles/injections;" "I don't think my doctor listens to my concerns;" and "My MS medications do not seem to be working."

"Virtual Conversations in Multiple Sclerosis: Taking Control of My Therapy," module is the first of a series in "Virtual Conversations in Multiple Sclerosis." CMSC, expert clinical faculty, and participating MS patients together with Syandus worked on this digital self-management tool to meet the ongoing educational needs of MS patients and their caregivers for years to come. The outcome of these virtual conversations, through this unique information and empathy-sharing model, is to help the user have the correct perceptions, processes, and motivations for self-management.

"Virtual Conversations in Multiple Sclerosis: Taking Control of My Therapy." is currently being rolled out nationally throughout the 256 CMSC Member Centers and throughout the MS Coalition. Clinicians, who have viewed the app, stated it accurately captures the types of conversations they have with patients in their offices.

Access to "Virtual Conversations in Multiple Sclerosis" is available here:

PC and Mac: http://myalivemed.com/Topic/54P2/PR/MS-Conversations

iTunes Store: http://appstore.com/myMSconversations

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