Merck KGaA asked CRA to investigate the socio-economic impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on women in Europe. In particular, the objective was to develop:
- evidence of the full range of impacts that MS has on the lives of women, their families and their roles in society; and
- any policy implications that would improve the environment for this patient group.
To do this, CRA followed a three-step approach that involved: a literature review, an interview programme with patient organisations and a bespoke survey of women with MS. We focused on eight different European countries: Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the UK. In six of these markets, we undertook detailed interviews with the local patient associations and patients involved in advocacy on MS. The online survey collected data from 807 women with MS and includes data across the eight markets. In the survey, we investigated the respondents’ experience with MS, the impact on the different areas of their lives and their recommendations where greater support could be provided in the future.
To read the report written by Tim Wilsdon, Artes Haderi, Rajini Jayasuriya, and Allicen Dichiara , click here.
