Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Training Course

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can cause a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, which vary greatly from person to person. For health and social care professionals, understanding MS is essential to providing safe, person-centred, and responsive care.

This free Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Training Course provides a clear and practical introduction to MS, covering its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and the impact it can have on individuals, families, and carers. The course focuses on improving awareness, confidence, and good practice when supporting people living with MS.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

People living with MS may access health and social care services at many points throughout their lives. Staff who understand MS are better equipped to recognise symptoms, respond to changing needs, and support independence and wellbeing.

This free course will help you to:

• Understand what MS is and how it affects the central nervous system
• Recognise the varied symptoms and progression of MS
• Appreciate the physical, psychological, and social impact of the condition
• Support individuals using a person-centred, evidence-based approach
• Work effectively with families, carers, and multidisciplinary teams
• Apply UK guidance and best practice to everyday care

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Describe what Multiple Sclerosis is and identify its main types
• Understand the prevalence of MS in the UK and its wider impact
• Explain how MS affects the central nervous system
• Recognise common symptoms and understand the diagnostic process
• Identify different types of MS and how symptoms can vary and progress
• Understand treatment options, including disease-modifying therapies and symptom management
• Explain the role of multidisciplinary teams in MS care
• Recognise the psychological and social challenges faced by people with MS
• Apply patient-centred approaches and involve individuals in decision-making
• Use evidence-based guidance, including NICE recommendations, to support good practice

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Course Outline

Module 1: Multiple Sclerosis Overview
Learners will gain a foundational understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) and how it affects the central nervous system. This module explains the different types of MS and explores epidemiology and prevalence within the UK to highlight how common the condition is. Learners will also develop an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of MS, including how damage to myelin and nerve pathways leads to a wide range of symptoms.

Module 2: Symptoms and Diagnosis
This module focuses on recognising the common signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis, including physical, cognitive, and emotional changes. Learners will explore the diagnostic process for MS and understand how symptoms, clinical history, and investigations contribute to diagnosis. The roles of GPs and neurologists in identifying, referring, and diagnosing MS are explained to show how diagnosis fits within the UK healthcare pathway.

Module 3: Types of Multiple Sclerosis
Learners will explore the different types of MS, including relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive MS. This module explains how symptoms can progress and vary between individuals, emphasising that MS is unpredictable and experienced differently by each person. Learners will understand why personalised care and monitoring are essential.

Module 4: Treatment and Management
This module provides an overview of how MS is managed and treated over time. Learners will explore common disease-modifying therapies and how they aim to reduce relapses and slow progression. The module also explains symptom management strategies, relapse management, and rehabilitation approaches, highlighting the importance of ongoing review and tailored treatment plans.

Module 5: Multidisciplinary Care
Learners will examine the role of multidisciplinary working in supporting people with MS. This module explains how healthcare professionals such as neurologists, MS specialist nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social care staff work together. Learners will understand how coordinated care improves outcomes, supports independence, and ensures continuity across services.

Module 6: Psychosocial Impact and Support
This module explores the psychological and social impact of living with multiple sclerosis. Learners will examine challenges such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, changes to employment, and social isolation. The module outlines strategies to support mental health and wellbeing and highlights the vital role of families, carers, and support networks in providing emotional and practical support.

Module 7: Patient-Centred Care and Education
Learners will explore the principles of patient-centred care in MS management. This module explains how involving individuals in decision-making supports autonomy, choice, and control. Learners will understand the importance of education, clear communication, and signposting to resources and support services for both individuals with MS and their carers.

Module 8: Evidence-Based Practice and Guidelines
In the final module, learners will develop an understanding of evidence-based practice in MS care. This includes exploring the role of national guidelines, such as NICE recommendations for annual reviews and ongoing follow-up. Learners will understand how research evidence is applied in practice to improve care quality, safety, and outcomes for people living with multiple sclerosis.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• Care and support workers
• Health and social care assistants
• Nurses and healthcare support staff
• Social workers and allied health professionals
• Team leaders and managers
• Anyone supporting or working with people affected by MS

No prior knowledge of MS is required.

FAQ

How long does the course take to complete?
Most learners complete the course in 1 hour, depending on experience and pace.

Is this course relevant to UK health and social care settings?
Yes. The course reflects UK practice, services, and national guidance.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is available upon successful completion.

Is this suitable for non-clinical staff?
Yes. The course is written in clear, accessible language and is suitable for both clinical and non-clinical roles.

MS affects every individual differently. By improving awareness and understanding, health and social care professionals can reduce barriers, respond appropriately to changing needs, and support people living with MS to maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Enrol on the Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Training Course today

Build understanding, improve confidence, and deliver better support for people living with MS.