What is the importance of “care management” for people with ALS?

ALS is a rare, progressive and complex disease. For optimal treatment, it is necessary for assistive technology providers, therapy practices, nutrition and respiratory care providers, care teams, pharmacies and other care providers to specialize. Patients and relatives are faced with the challenge of finding care partners who have the necessary expertise, experience and capacity to provide specialized ALS care.

Ambulanzpartner has developed a care network that supports patients and relatives in this search as well as in coping with numerous administrative and organizational tasks in the care process. A care network and case management such as that of APST is of particular importance when specialized assistive devices (orthoses, power wheelchairs, environmental control, communication aids), respiratory care, nutritional therapy (nutritional drinks, PEG care) or special medication treatment is required.

In ALS, various medications can be used to alleviate symptoms and are used outside of their original purpose (“off-label”). The dosage is individually tailored to the success of symptom relief and possible side effects. It is therefore also advisable for pharmacies with special expertise in ALS pharmacotherapy to provide care. Within the Ambulanzpartner care network, professional coordination and digital networking between doctors and pharmacists is possible.