The EMSP 2025 Annual Conference in Prague brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, and people living with MS from across Europe to share ideas, challenges, and progress. For MS nurses, the sessions highlighted critical areas where our work can make a real difference. Here are the key takeaways—short, sharp, and centered on practical impact.
Prof. Eva Havrdova reminded us that MS doesn’t wait, and neither should we. Early intervention—even in the prodromal phase—can significantly delay disease progression. Nurses have an essential role in encouraging preventive measures: promoting vitamin D supplementation, smoking cessation, regular physical activity, and awareness of early signs. Our patient education is the first step toward true disease modification.
The International MS Symptoms Survey (IMSS), presented by Tomaso and Patricia Moghames, revealed that people with MS experience an average of 13.7 symptoms, many going under-treated or unrecognized. Fatigue, cognitive challenges, and bladder dysfunction were among the most burdensome.
Nurses must stay proactive: ask about symptoms that aren’t visible, offer targeted advice, and help patients track and communicate their experience over time. Our vigilance helps ensure no symptom is dismissed or overlooked.
Stephanie Woschek highlighted how comorbidities—like cardiovascular disease or diabetes—can worsen MS outcomes and limit treatment success. As nurses, we can be powerful motivators for healthy lifestyle changes: guiding patients toward better nutrition, stress reduction, quitting smoking, and physical activity—while adapting our advice to the realities of chronic illness.
Dr. Andrea Stennett’s talk was a strong reminder that diversity in MS research and care is not just ethical—it’s clinical. When minority populations are underrepresented, treatments can miss their mark.
Nurses can help close this gap by using inclusive language, providing information in accessible formats, and building trust with patients from underrepresented backgrounds. Tools like navigator documents and multilingual resources can help ensure everyone is supported.
Sessions on empowerment by Agne Straukiene and Janneke Knol reframed self-management as a collaborative journey. Empowerment isn’t about giving instructions—it’s about equipping patients to make informed decisions.
Encourage patients to track symptoms, ask specific questions about treatments, and set realistic, meaningful goals. Start small—one change at a time. Nurses are often the most consistent point of contact, making us ideal partners in this long-term process.
Case studies from countries like the Czech Republic, Norway, and the Netherlands showed that real-world data, registries, and advocacy are essential to improving MS care systems. Nurses contribute valuable data and frontline insight. We also play a role in translating global innovations—like the MS-PAT digital education platform—into practical local care.
EMSP 2025 was more than a conference—it was a call to action. As MS nurses, we stand at the intersection of evidence-based care, personal connection, and systemic improvement. From listening more closely to the invisible symptoms, to supporting empowered choices, to advocating for inclusive, preventive, and equitable care—our role is central.
Let’s continue to connect, share, and lead.
