Newswise — Glenview, IL— November 2011 —The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN), the Association for Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) and the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN) are proud to announce the newest addition to the respected AANN Clinical Practice Guideline series, Nursing Management of the Patient with Multiple Sclerosis. The publication was supported by an educational grant from TEVA Neuroscience.

Nursing care of patients with MS and their families or care partners has evolved from a focus on interventions during periods of crisis to a focus on symptom management, wellness, prevention of disease worsening, and empowerment. The goal of this guideline is to offer evidence-based recommendations on nursing activities that have the potential to maximize outcomes for adults with MS.

This guideline is the second collaborative publication in the AANN Clinical Practice Guideline series, which has produced more than ten guidelines to date. The publication promotes evidence-based practice across the continuum of care. A team of 26 nurse volunteers from AANN, ARN, and IOMSN developed, authored, and reviewed the content offered in the document.

Editors, Nursing Management of the Patient with Multiple SclerosisHilaire J. Thompson, PhD RN CNRN FAANKris Mauk, PhD DNP RN CRRN GCNS-BC GNP-BC FAAN

ChairsAmy Perrin Ross, MSN APN MSCN CNRN Suzanne C. Smeltzer, EdD RN MSCN FAAN

Content AuthorsMegan Barrett, DNP MSCN ARNP Cheryl Blaschuk, MSN RN MSCN FNP Kathleen Costello, MS ANP-BC MSCNConstance Easterling, MSN MSCN ARNP Ann Gutierrez, MSN RN CRRN CBISJune Halper, MSN APN-C MSCN FAAN Paule Joseph, MSN FNP-BC RN CRRN BCLNC-CPatricia Kennedy, RN CNP MSCNMary Kitten, MSN RN MSCN CRRN Martha Lightfoot, ANPElizabeth McAndrews, MSN CRNPMargie O’Leary, MSN RN MSCNBrant J. Oliver, MSN MPH FNP-BC PMHNP-BC Patricia Pagnotta, MSN ARNP MSCN CNRN Dorothea Cassidy Pfohl, BSN MSCN RNYaritza Rosario, APN MSCNAngela Stone Schmidt, PhD MNSc RNP RNMatthew Sorenson, PhD RNAlpa Uchil, MPH RN Content ReviewersLisa Duffy, PhD(c) CPNP-PC CNRNDebra A. Dzenko, MSN Ed RN-BC CCM CRRN Jennifer Smrtka, ANP-BC MSCN

The Clinical Practice Guideline series is published electronically. To download a copy of this guideline, or any of the guidelines offered in the series, visit www.AANN.org/cpgs. You may also download copies of this guideline from the Practice Guidelines section of the ARN website at www.rehabnurse.org or the IOMSN website at www.iomsn.org.

###About AANN Founded in 1968, the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN), an organization of more than 4,500 members worldwide, is committed to working for the highest standard of care for neuroscience patients by advancing the science and practice of neuroscience nursing. AANN accomplishes this through continuing education, information dissemination, standard setting, and advocacy on behalf of neuroscience patients, families, and nurses. For more information, visit www.AANN.org.

About ARNRepresenting more than 5,700 members, the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) exists to promote and advance professional rehabilitation nursing practice through education, advocacy, collaboration, and research to enhance the quality of life for those affected by chronic illness or physical disability. Rehabilitation nurses help individuals affected by chronic illness or physical disability to adapt to their disabilities, achieve their greatest potential, and work toward productive, independent lives. They take a holistic approach to meeting patients’ medical, vocational, educational, environmental, and spiritual needs.