Experience in the use of the Minimal Record of Disability in multiple sclerosis chapters and community settings.

The Minimal Record of Disability (MRD), developed by the International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Societies, was field tested by Patient Services Staff in Multiple Sclerosis chapters and community settings in the United States and Canada. The goals of this initial field testing project were to determine acceptance and feasibility of using the Minimal Disability System in MS chapter and community settings and to illustrate potential applications of this instrument in planning patient service programs. An additional goal was to evaluate the MS chapter and community experience in using the MRD and the potential of it's continued use in patient service. One hundred and sixty MS persons were interviewed for the project in fifteen MS chapter and community settings. In this paper we will present our findings and a summary evaluation of the field testing experience.