1. Demonstrate the utility and ease of using the EDSS scale in clinical practice as a way to assess a patient's response to therapy.
2. Explain the functional systems (FS) scale and how it is used to determine a patient's EDSS score.
3. Interpret the results of an EDSS evaluation.
4. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of using the EDSS scale to assess the disability of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Faculty:
Mary Ann Picone, M.D.
Medical Director
MS Center at Holy Name Hospital
Teaneck, NJ
Mary Ann Picone, M.D. is a board certified neurologist with 10 years experience in the field of multiple sclerosis. In addition, Dr. Picone has an expertise in neurophysiology and headaches. She has been the Medical Director of the Gimbel MS Center since 1993 and has been principal investigator for numerous studies, which have included disease modification in MS, symptom management, psychosocial interventions, and improvement of patients’ quality of life. The Gimbel MS Center provides care to over 1200 patients and their families and Dr. Picone is widely recognized for her clinical expertise, research acumen, and comprehensive approach to patient care. She is a frequent teacher and lecturer to both the professional community and people with multiple sclerosis.

June Halper, MSCN, ANP, FAAN
Executive Director
MS Center at Holy Name Hospital
Teaneck, NJ
June Halper is a certified adult nurse practitioner who has specialized in multiple sclerosis since 1978. She was a founder of the Gimbel MS Center in Teaneck, NJ and has been the Executive Director since 1989. In 1993, the Gimbel MS Center was named the administrative seat of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, the largest organization of MS healthcare professionals in the world. Ms. Halper was president of the CMSC from 1995-97 and has been the Executive Director since 1997.

Ms. Halper has published and lectured extensively on multiple sclerosis and its ramifications and is the editor of Comprehensive Nursing Care in Multiple Sclerosis and Advanced Concepts in Nursing Care in Multiple Sclerosis, and co-editor of Staying Well with Multiple Sclerosis: A Self-Care Guide. Ms. Halper chaired the first Multiple Sclerosis Nurse Specialist Consensus Committee’s development of a monograph on the nurse’s role in adherence to complex protocols; the impact of cognitive impairment in MS nursing care; and the nurse’s role in patient’s and family’s quality of life. She chaired the second such committee which published Multiple Sclerosis: Best Practices in Nursing Care, Disease Management, Pharmacologic Treatment, Nursing Research. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the founding director of IOMSN, the International Organization of MS Nurses, and the recipient of the IOMSN’s first June Halper Award for Excellence in Nursing in Multiple Sclerosis. She was inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nursing in November 1999.

CME/CEU Credits

Physicians: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of BioSymposia, Inc. and the International Organization of MS Nurses (IOMSN). BioSymposia, Inc. is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

BioSymposia, Inc. was recently reviewed by the ACCME and found to be fully compliant in all areas, and in exemplary compliance – the highest designation – in needs assessment and program evaluation.

BioSymposia, Inc. designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nurses: This offering of 1.2 contact hours is provided by BioSymposia, Inc., which is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Successful completion of this program includes completing a post-test and filling out an evaluation form. BioSymposia, Inc. is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 8210, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation, for 1.2 contact hours.

The American Nurses Association's accreditation refers to recognition of educational activities only and does not imply approval or endorsement of any product of any company displayed in any form during the presentation of educational activities.


Click the button to view the presentation


This program is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from EMD Serono, Inc. In addition, BioSymposia, Inc. personnel are employees of EMD Serono, Inc. and BioSymposia, Inc. also receives other in-kind support from EMD Serono, Inc. in the form of space and administrative services.

All BioSymposia, Inc. programs are organized solely to promote the exchange and dissemination of scientific and medical information. No forms of promotional activities are permitted. There may be presentations discussing investigational uses of various products. These views are the responsibility of the named speakers, and do not represent an endorsement or recommendation on the part of BioSymposia, Inc.