There are many important factors to consider when having conversations with your doctor about your treatment options. The treatment decision for each person is unique and must be addressed individually between you and your healthcare team. Additionally, it’s important to recognize the need to prioritize your issues, questions, and concerns in order to maximize the time with your healthcare team. With so much information to remember, organize, and prioritize, MSAA recognized the need to help frame these important discussions. By doing so, MSAA is able to support patients and their physicians in their S.E.A.R.C.H.™ for the most appropriate therapy for each individual.
Designed as a memory aid, the S.E.A.R.C.H. acronym represents the key areas that should be considered when “searching” for the most appropriate MS treatment. Each letter represents an important topic that must be considered by patients, physicians, and other healthcare and social service professionals. S.E.A.R.C.H. stands for:
MSAA has produced a variety of informational tools to help people maximize their success with S.E.A.R.C.H.™. Current S.E.A.R.C.H.™ tools available for download include:
- The S.E.A.R.C.H. program overview booklet, “How to S.E.A.R.C.H. for the Right MS Therapy for You!”
- An informative webinar and accompanying PowerPoint presentation
- The S.E.A.R.C.H. Patient Workbook – A convenient way to collect, organize, and store information as you “search” for the most effective treatment to meet your needs. The Workbook also features an office visit questionnaire to help prioritize questions and maximize your time with the doctor.
- A comprehensive chart of all 14 disease-modifying therapies for MS currently approved by the FDA, and more!
For more information about the S.E.A.R.C.H. program and to receive any of these resource items, please visit the S.E.A.R.C.H. for Treatment Options page on our website.
