Homecare amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A multidisciplinary, home-based model of care for patients with ALS and their caregivers.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Multidisciplinary care for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is recommended in international guidelines, but reaches its limits when immobility increases. This pilot project addresses this gap by delivering home-based, specialized, multiprofessional support to ALS patients who are not able to attend outpatient care. The study assessed the feasibility of this model of care and the satisfaction of both patients and caregivers.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal cohort study of patients with ALS and their caregivers in the surroundings of Munich, Germany. Patients were regularly visited at home by a multiprofessional team (neurologists/palliative care physicians, nurse, social worker, chaplain).

RESULTS

A total of 94 patients with ALS were included in the homecare project and 88 patients and 74 caregivers were enrolled in the accompanying study. The mean care duration was 221 days, enabling 61% of the 49 deceased patients to die at home. Notably, 20% of patients chose a way to hasten death. Patient satisfaction (ICECAP Supportive Care Measure [SCM]: 23.7/28, CollaboRATE: 10.6/12) and caregiver perception of the end-of-life phase (Caregiver Evaluation of the Quality of End-Of-Life Care [CEQUEL]: 24.9/26) were high.

DISCUSSION

This pilot project successfully implemented specialized, home-based multidisciplinary care for ALS patients and caregivers, demonstrating both feasibility and high satisfaction. The program enabled a large proportion of patients to remain in their homes, reducing the need for hospital care. The multiprofessional approach, including neuropalliative, psychosocial and spiritual support provided comprehensive care that addressed needs of patients and caregivers. Further research is warranted to explore cost-effectiveness.