Kathleen Costello and Bonnie Blain discuss how increasing complexity in multiple sclerosis care is reshaping the role of nurses, the challenges facing the global MS nursing workforce, and what attendees can expect from the nursing program at MS Toronto 2026.
touchNEUROLOGY coverage of MSToronto 2026
Ahead of MS Toronto 2026, touchNEUROLOGY spoke with Kathleen Costello, Chief Executive Officer of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), and Bonnie Blain, Immediate Past President of International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN) about the evolving role of the multiple sclerosis (MS) nurse.
As understanding of MS continues to evolve alongside new treatments, biomarkers, and approaches to diagnosis and monitoring, nurses are increasingly required to translate complex evidence into meaningful, individualized care for people living with MS.
They discuss the importance of trusted, long-term relationships between nurses and people with MS, particularly when supporting treatment decisions, symptom management, lifestyle changes, and conversations around sensitive or under-recognized aspects of care.
They also consider some of the major challenges facing MS nursing, including access to specialist care, workforce shortages, increasing demands on nurses, and the need for ongoing education and professional development. Looking ahead, they highlight the importance of recruiting and mentoring the next generation of MS nurses, strengthening the profession globally, and increasing collaboration between organizations and nursing communities.
Nursing sessions at MS Toronto 2026
The MS Toronto 2026 nursing program will explore both the future of MS nursing and some of the complex issues nurses encounter in day-to-day patient care.
Nurses’ Session 1: The state and future of MS nursing
This session will explore how MS nursing has evolved, emerging opportunities for nurses globally, and the workforce challenges that could shape the future of the profession.
Nurses’ Session 2: Issues in patient care
This session will address important and sometimes under-recognized aspects of MS care, including domestic violence, wellness and lifestyle, and supporting people with radiologically isolated syndrome and early MS.
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Cite: Kelly Costello & Bonnie Blain. The evolving role of the MS nurse: MS Toronto 2026. touchNEUROLOGY. 16 October 2026.
Editor: Katey Gabrysch, Editorial Director.
Disclosures: Kelly Costello has nothing to disclose. Bonnie Blain has nothing to disclose.
The content was developed and edited by human editors. No fees or funding were associated with its publication. touchNEUROLOGY utilize AI as an editorial tool (ChatGPT (GPT-4o) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat).
This content has been developed independently by Touch Medical Media for touchNEUROLOGY in collaboration with Kelly Costello and Bonnie Blain. Views expressed are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Touch Medical Media.
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