Invited Review: A Systematic Review of Attributes Influencing Preferences for Treatments and Interventions in People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)-Article

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The systematic review "A Systematic Review of Attributes Influencing Preferences for Treatments and Interventions in People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)" examines patient-centered care and treatment preferences for ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure. The review synthesizes findings from 44 studies across six treatment categories: drug treatments, nutrition, special equipment, psychosocial support, exercise programs, and digital health tools. Key themes influencing patient preferences are identified as ease of use, accessibility, making life easier, autonomy, and safety/reliability.<br /><br />Patients with ALS prioritize treatments that are easy to administer and reliable, reflecting the progressive nature of the disease where physical abilities decline over time. Accessibility, including affordability and adaptability, is crucial, particularly given the complex and varied treatment regimens required for ALS patients. Autonomy and maintaining a sense of control over treatment decisions are important, as are safety and reliability, underscoring the need for interventions that patients can trust.<br /><br />The review highlights the need for patient preferences to inform healthcare policy and clinical practices to improve the quality of life and treatment outcomes for ALS patients. By systematically evaluating patient preferences, healthcare providers can develop tailored, patient-centered care plans that align treatment options with the values and needs of people living with ALS. These insights can also guide the development of new treatments and interventions, ensuring they address the attributes most valued by patients, such as ease of use and safety, thus promoting treatment adherence and efficacy. Understanding these preferences is critical for enhancing patient satisfaction and achieving better health outcomes in ALS care.

Keywords

ALS

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

patient-centered care

treatment preferences

drug treatments

psychosocial support

autonomy

accessibility

safety

healthcare policy

treatment adherence