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A Practical Guide to Optimizing the Benefits of Post-Stroke Spasticity Interventions with Botulinum Toxin A: An International Group Consensus (2021)

This consensus paper is derived from a meeting of an international group of 19 neurological rehabilitation specialists with a combined experience of more than 250 years (range 4–25 years; mean 14.1 years) in treating post-stroke spasticity with botulinum toxin A. The group undertook critical assessments of some recurring practical challenges, not yet addressed in guidelines, through an extensive literature search. They then discussed the results in the light of their individual clinical experience and developed consensus statements to present to the wider community who treat such patients. The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of treatment with botulinum toxin A, including the use of adjunctive therapies, within a multidisciplinary context, and is aimed at practicing clinicians who treat patients with post-stroke spasticity and require further practical guidance on the use of botulinum toxin A. This paper does not replicate information published elsewhere, but instead aims to provide practical advice to help optimize the use of botulinum toxin A and maximize clinical outcomes. The recommendations for each topic are summarized in a series of statements. Where published high-quality evidence exists, the recommendations reflect this. However, where evidence is not yet conclusive, the group members issued statements and, in some cases, made recommendations based on their clinical experience.

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Supported by Merz Therapeutics GmbH

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Award scoring criteria

The following criteria will be judged out of a score of 5; (1 is suboptimal; 2 is adequate; 3 is good; 4 is very good; 5 is excellent)

GENERAL

  • Days per week working in spasticity management
  • Average number of spasticity patients managed per month
  • Environment and clinical team (type of institution, location, size/structure of clinical team, particular patient needs)
  • Role of responsibility in managing patients with spasticity
  • Scientific appointments in spasticity
  • Honours for work undertaken in spasticity

SCHOLARLY

  • Number of research projects investigating relevant aspects of spasticity management
  • Impact of research projects investigating relevant aspects of spasticity management
  • Number of peer-reviewed publications on topic
    Number of presentations of research at international meetings
  • Number of presentations at national conferences
  • Teaching/mentorship of younger injectors
  • h-index

CLINICAL

  • Evidence of development or growth of a spasticity program at the applicant’s practice or institution
  • Breadth of services provided, including medications, toxins, physical interventions, and Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (ITB)
  • Role of responsibility in managing patients with spasticity

ENDORSEMENT

  • Endorsed by senior peer

In the event of a tie, based on the above scoring criteria, the Toxnet Co-Chairs will make the final decision.