Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Quality Measures (S46.006)

OBJECTIVE: The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) developed new quality measures for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) management, derived through a standardized, rigorous, evidence-based consensus process, and their suitability for quality improvement activities, pay-for-reporting initiatives and maintenance of certification requirements. BACKGROUND: The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) developed new quality measures for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) management, derived through a standardized, rigorous, evidence-based consensus process, and their suitability for quality improvement activities, pay-for-reporting initiatives and maintenance of certification requirements. DESIGN/METHODS: The AAN ALS measures were developed using the established AAN evidence based measure development process. Guidelines and consensus papers from 2006 to 2011 were evaluated to determine the acceptability of the guidelines and other evidence-based reviews. Candidate recommendations from acceptable evidence sources were prioritized by the work group based on the link to desired outcomes, the level of evidence and strength of recommendation, face validity, feasibility to collect data, and gaps or variations in care. The prioritized recommendation statements were then developed into candidate measures. A period of public comment was followed by review and approval from the AAN and supporting organizations. RESULTS: Systematic assessment resulted in the development of 11 quality measures for ALS. The measures are focused on evaluating the use of effective therapeutic options in patients, and increasing patient awareness of advanced planning and patient safety. The AAN ALS quality measurement set consists of clinical process measures to be performed at the level of the individual practitioner and/or adapted by multi-disciplinary practice teams or collaborative care physician models. CONCLUSIONS: The AAN ALS quality measures, when implemented by providers, have the potential to significantly improve care for individuals with ALS. Study Supported by: Disclosure: Dr. Miller has received personal compensation for activities with Celgene, Pharmacyclic, Teva Neuroscience, and Taiji. Dr. Brooks has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Acorda Therapeutics, Cytokinetics, Synapse, and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Dr. Brooks has received research support from Biogen Idec, Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Cytokinetics, Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline, Inc., and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Dr. Swain-Eng has nothing to disclose. Dr. Basner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Carter has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer Inc. as a speaker. Dr. Carter has received research support from the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Casey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cohen has received personal compensation for activities with EM Gladiators LLC. Dr. Dubinsky has received personal compensation for activities with Allergan Inc. Dr. Dubinsky has received research support from Allergan Inc., Medevation Pharmaceuticals, and from the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Forshew has received personal compensation for activities with Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Asubio Pharmaceuticals Inc. Dr. Jackson has received research support from Respironics, Biogen Idec, and Cytokinetics. Dr. Kasarskis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Procaccini has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sanjak has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tolin has nothing to disclose.