Multidisciplinary Center Planning Tool At the Multidisciplinary Center we are always looking for ways to provide optimal care for our patients. We are aware that our Tuesday clinic visits can be quite long and tiring and we want to make sure all patients and caregivers have their needs met and all their questions answered prior to leaving. In an effort to provide the best care for our patients, we are providing patients with a list of topics at the beginning of their clinic visit. Here patients may indicate issues that are most pressing and need to be addressed. With this tool, we can assure that the patient see the appropriate clinicians at the beginning of their visit. At the end of the visit we will ask patients and caregivers to let us know if further follow-up is needed. Please let Gabriela Harrington-Moroney, RN know if you have any questions: gharrington@neuro.columbia.edu ALS in Korea There is no available official data showing the number of the patients suffering from ALS. According to a 2005 report, about 1300 patients were struggling with this condition. The evaluation process and care for ALS patients in Korea are basically similar to those in the US. Doctors, most often neurologists, and allied health professionals devote themselves to help patients. Most of the diagnostic tests and drugs are also available. Patients usually receive their care in a regular neurology office setting. In the past, and even today, patients have frequently remained in the hospital for long-term if they have respiratory issues or advanced weakness. Because multidisciplinary care centers like the Eleanor team approach clinics are now launching. and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Center here at Columbia have many advantages, these kind of of team approach clinics are now launching. A lot of research, both laboratory and clinical, is on-going, but clinical trials are rare. American patients and family members seem more actively involved in their care and in important decision making. Issues of quality of life are more seriously considered. End-of-life decision making is discussed earlier and more openly. More ALS patients receive permanent mechanical ventilation than those in America. In the same context, most hospice programs in Korea do not yet fully realize the needs of ALS patients. Definitely, caring for ALS patients is such a big burden on the family. At present, the Korean government's health and welfare program and National Health Insurance give support to ALS patients and families in many ways. Once diagnosed, patients are eligible for disability benefit and benefit from rare diseases. These include medical expenses, visiting nurse service, equipment for transport, ventilator, home aid service, etc. There is an ALS patients' organization for communicating with each other, exchanging information, and getting support. The community support for ALS patients such as donations, volunteering, and public education is just beginning and not fully established, so more steps need to be taken for more effective care for ALS patients. Woo-Kyung Kim Department of Neurology Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital Hallym University College of Medicine (a research fellow at Columbia's ALS Center)