MS fatigue management app receives government support
The government has selected REFUEL-MS, a fatigue management app being developed with our funding, for fast-track into the NHS.
We want everyone with MS to have access to effective ways to manage their symptoms – including fatigue.
That’s why we’re co-funding REFUEL-MS, a smartphone app which could help people living with MS manage the symptoms of fatigue.
Now, the government have chosen REFUEL-MS to receive tailored support to make their app available on the NHS sooner. It’s one of only eight innovative technologies chosen and the only digital therapy.
Why is this important?
The government is investing £10 million to test the eight new technologies for use on a large scale as quickly as possible. It’s called the Innovative Devices Access Pathway pilot. The aim is to accelerate these innovative ideas to the NHS, where they can benefit people with health conditions – including MS.
The team at REFUEL-MS will gain advice and support from government agencies. They’ll provide expertise to guide researchers in the best way to fast-track the app to the NHS. It means the government are recognising the importance of this research and the potential benefit it could have for people with MS.
Read more about managing fatigue
What is REFUEL-MS?
REFUEL-MS is an app-based programme to help tackle fatigue, designed specifically for people with MS. It will include physical activity as well as cognitive behavioural therapy. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists will also provide guidance as part of the programme.
The app is being developed by a team at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London, led by Professor Rona Moss-Morris, Professor of Psychology as Applied to Medicine.
Many non-drug trials for MS fatigue don’t factor in how to deliver them on the NHS. This means they aren’t useful for everyone with MS. REFUEL-MS will be the first that's been developed with the NHS’ requirements at its heart.
One of the REFUEL-MS team, Research Associate at King’s IoPPN Dr Kristina Dietz, spotted the opportunity and led the application.
Dr Dietz said:
“We're delighted to have been chosen for the Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP) pilot scheme as part of a new multimillion-pound government investment.
This funding will help NHS patients get quicker access to REFUEL-MS, a smartphone app which is being developed in line with NICE-recommendations. It's based on the latest research, to make effective support for MS-related fatigue more widely available. We're confident that being part of IDAP will help us achieve this aim.”
Read more about how the REFUEL-MS team are making sure their work will help everyone with MS
What does this mean for people with MS?
We hope it could mean the REFUEL-MS programme will be accessible to more people with MS.
Dr Clare Walton, our Head of Research, said:
"MS affects over 150,000 people in the UK. It's unpredictable and different for everyone, but around 90% of people living with the condition experience fatigue. And research shows fatigue in MS has a bigger impact on overall quality of life than any other symptom.
Treatment for fatigue is vital. We’re proud to have co-funded the REFUEL-MS research project, which has been recognised by the government as an innovative technology. We hope this'll allow people with MS to access the app through the NHS as quickly as possible once the study completes.”
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