Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the REACH-MS program?
The program is designed for adults who have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and live in regional or remote areas of Australia. Eligibility is determined by your diagnosis status and postcode.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, participation in the REACH-MS program is completely free. The program is funded by Central West Neurology and Neurosurgery, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia, and Roche Products Pty Limited.
What kind of content is included in the newsletters and webinars?
The educational content covers a range of topics relevant to MS management, including:
MS research updates
Symptom management strategies (fatigue, heat sensitivity, etc.)
Mental health support
Bladder and bowel management
Diet and exercise recommendations
Information about accessing allied health services
Strategies for living well with MSHow do I access the webinars?
Webinars will be conducted online every three months. Registered participants will receive a link via email to join the webinar. If you can’t attend the live session, recordings will be available in our resource library for on-demand viewing.
What is the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ)?
The Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) is a tool used to measure various aspects of health literacy. As part of the research component of the REACH-MS program, participants will complete the HLQ at the beginning and end of the 12-month program to help us evaluate the effectiveness of the educational content.
Can I withdraw from the program if I change my mind?
Yes, participation is completely voluntary. You can withdraw from the program at any time by notifying the research team and completing a withdrawal form. Withdrawal will not affect your routine care or relationships with your healthcare providers.
How is my personal information protected?
Your privacy is important to us. All personal information collected for the REACH-MS program is stored securely and handled in accordance with privacy regulations. Only authorized study staff will have access to identifiable data. After analysis is complete, all data will be de-identified.
Will I receive the results of the research study?
Yes, if you choose to receive the summary report when registering. At the conclusion of the study, we will provide a summary of the findings to all participants who have opted to receive it.