178 Motor neurone disease and sociodemographic factors: a review

Abstract

BackgroundTo improve equity of service, in line with the aspirations of public policy across the UK, it is imperative that we understand how sociodemographic factors affect the management and care of patients with motor neurone disease (MND).AimsTo describe the relationship between sociodemographic factors and the epidemiology, clinical factors, diagnosis, treatment, patient experience and outcomes for people with MND.MethodsWe conducted a focused review of published literature from 2000 to 2021 looking into MND and each of the patient protected characteristics, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, with additional factors such as education, socioeconomic status and employment also included.ResultsThere is plenty of published literature exploring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the rela- tionship with age, race, sex and gender.Minimal published data could be found for disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partner- ship, pregnancy and maternity, religion and beliefs, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, settlement status, education and employment. Additionally, there was a lack of data looking into this for the different types of MND.DiscussionResearch in MND has focused heavily upon ALS. Further research into all patient protected characteristics and the different types of MND is required to improve equity in care and patient outcomes.