The clinical impact of the ECAS in the UK

Our latest research has shown that the ECAS has been widely implemented across the UK and improves clinical care.

Approximately 50% of people with ALS will experience changes in thinking and/or behaviour. In the UK, the updated NICE guidelines on the assessment and management of ALS have recommended that multidisciplinary teams should recognise, explore and assess changes in cognition and behaviour.

95% of respondents screen patients for cognitive and behavioral changes using the ECAS. Thematic analysis indicated that the ECAS: raises awareness about cognitive and behavioral change between patients, carers and healthcare professionals; validates and/or reassures; identifies changes, aids understanding of the patients’ presentation and informs clinical decision-making.

This highlights the utility of the ECAS in improving the overall quality of routine clinical care.

To cite this article:

Hodgins, F., Mulhern, S., & Abrahams, S. (2019). The clinical impact of the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS) and neuropsychological intervention in routine ALS care. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration, 1-8.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/21678421.2019.1674874