Research

Best Practice Recommendations

In November 2022, the first-ever New Zealand based best practice recommendations (BPRs) for the management of MND were published by Motor Neurone Disease NZ.

Developed over a number of years by a working group of New Zealand MND clinicians, this document represents what specialists in MND care agree should be the standard of care for any New Zealander diagnosed with MND. In drawing up their recommendations, the working group have consulted widely with other appropriate clinical experts across New Zealand as well as drawing on best practice clinical guidelines on MND care from the United Kingdom and Canada.

Key facts

  • They represent the first step in an overall framework being developed in response to concerns raised by the MND Community in New Zealand and further resources are being developed
  • They have been contextualised for New Zealand and recognise the important roles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Whare Tapa Whā in the delivery of healthcare services in Aotearoa New Zealand
  • They have been written to provide clinical guidance and to standardise care throughout NZ
  • They have been peer-reviewed with endorsement from NANZ, TSANZ and ANZSPM Aotearoa and it’s hoped that Te Whatu Ora Health NZ will encourage their adoption and implementation.

It's important to note that this is a medical document with recommendations designed to assist and guide health professionals with the management of people with MND in New Zealand. It is not prescriptive; each person is different and care will be individualised. If you are a person with MND and have concerns about your management, please discuss this with your medical team.

"This is a first and a milestone for standardising and promoting world class MND holistic clinical care across Aotearoa New Zealand."

Sir Richard Faull KNZM, FRSNZ
Director, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland
Medical Patron, Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand

Thank you

Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand would like to acknowledge the significant time and effort contributed by the Motor Neurone Disease Clinical Working Group (MNDCWG) in the development of these Best Practice Recommendations.

The group includes 18 members from different health sectors around Aotearoa New Zealand, who have an interest in improving care for people with MND and their whānau. The MNDCWG was co-chaired by Claire Reilly and Chris Drennan in 2020, and Claire Reilly and Alan Stanley in 2021.

 

Last updated:

2 August 2024