Patient Referral

Working Together to Support People Living with Muscular Dystrophy

Working with Healthcare Professionals

TMDCN recognises the important role healthcare professionals play in the identification, care and support of people living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions. We work with healthcare professionals and allied professionals to help individuals and families access reliable information, appropriate support and relevant opportunities.

Through referrals, professional engagement, education and research collaboration, we aim to strengthen connections between people affected by muscular dystrophy and the professionals, services and resources that can support them.

If you are supporting someone who may be affected by muscular dystrophy or a related neuromuscular condition, you can refer them to TMDCN. You can also engage with us to learn more about our programmes, patient registry and opportunities for professional or research collaboration.

Refer a Patient to TMDCN

If you are supporting someone living with muscular dystrophy or a related neuromuscular condition, you can refer them to TMDCN.

A referral can help connect the individual and their family with relevant information, support, programmes and opportunities available through the charity.

Why Refer a Patient?

Depending on individual circumstances, TMDCN may be able to provide or facilitate access to:

  • Information and education about muscular dystrophy
  • Signposting and referrals to relevant services and professionals
  • Physiotherapy support, including access to virtual physiotherapy where appropriate
  • Mobility equipment support, subject to availability and eligibility
  • Disability inclusion and advocacy support
  • Career guidance
  • Educational support
  • Small business start-up support for eligible individuals
  • Family and carer support
  • Peer and community support through the TMDCN Connect Network
  • Opportunities to participate in relevant TMDCN programmes
  • Information about the TMDCN Patient Registry

Who Can Make a Referral?

We welcome referrals from healthcare and allied professionals, including:

  • Doctors and other medical practitioners
  • Nurses
  • Physiotherapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Psychologists and counsellors
  • Social workers
  • Rehabilitation professionals
  • Other healthcare professionals involved in the care or support of people with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions
Patient Referral Form

What Happens After a Referral?

Once a referral is received, TMDCN will review the information provided and, where appropriate, contact the referred individual or their parent, guardian or carer.

We will seek to understand their circumstances and support needs and provide information about relevant TMDCN services and programmes or signpost them to other appropriate sources of support.

Where appropriate, we may also provide information about the TMDCN Patient Registry and give the individual or their parent/guardian the opportunity to consider joining.

Referral to TMDCN does not automatically enrol an individual in the Patient Registry. Participation in the Registry is voluntary and subject to the appropriate information and consent process.

Help Us Build a Better Understanding of Muscular Dystrophy in Nigeria

Many people living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions in Nigeria remain unidentified, unsupported or disconnected from organisations and services that could help them.

Healthcare professionals are often among the first people to encounter these individuals.

By referring eligible patients to TMDCN, you can help us reach more affected individuals and families, connect them with support and increase awareness of opportunities to participate in the TMDCN Patient Registry.

The Registry helps build a better understanding of people living with these conditions in Nigeria and can contribute to improved knowledge, research, healthcare planning and future opportunities for the neuromuscular community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PATIENT REGISTRY

Important Information About Referrals

TMDCN is a charitable organisation and does not replace the clinical care provided by healthcare professionals or healthcare institutions.

Submitting a referral to TMDCN does not transfer clinical responsibility for the patient to the charity.

Healthcare professionals should ensure that the individual, or their parent or guardian where appropriate, is aware of the referral and has provided the necessary permission before personal or health information is submitted to TMDCN.

Information submitted through the referral process will be handled in accordance with TMDCN’s applicable privacy and data protection procedures.

Refer Someone Today

If you are a healthcare professional supporting someone living with muscular dystrophy or a related neuromuscular condition, help us connect them with information, support and opportunities available through TMDCN.

Patient Referral Form

Research & Clinical Collaboration

TMDCN welcomes appropriate collaboration with healthcare professionals, researchers, hospitals, universities and other institutions working to improve understanding, diagnosis, care and research relating to muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular conditions.

Our Research & Clinical Collaboration Programme seeks to strengthen connections between the patient community, healthcare professionals and researchers and to support responsible research that can improve outcomes for affected individuals.

CONTACT US ABOUT COLLABORATION

Healthcare Professional Education

Improving knowledge and awareness among healthcare professionals is an important part of TMDCN’s work.

Through our Healthcare Professional Education Programme, we seek to increase understanding of muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions, including awareness of early signs, diagnosis, management, rehabilitation and the needs of affected individuals and families.

We welcome opportunities to work with hospitals, health facilities, professional groups, training institutions and other organisations to deliver educational and awareness activities.

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMES