Canadian Multiple Sclerosis Monitoring System Metadata
The Canadian Multiple Sclerosis Monitoring System closed in April 2016.
Overview
CIHI ceased operating the Canadian Multiple Sclerosis Monitoring System (CMSMS) in April 2016. Due to limited participation, the CMSMS did not obtain the coverage necessary to provide meaningful data at the national level, and the decision was made to close it.
The CMSMS Minimum Data Set (MDS) was established in collaboration with MS stakeholders to be used as a national standard for MS data collection. The MDS will continue to be available to individuals or organizations interested in collecting standardized MS data.
Data Source
The CMSMS contains data on approximately 7% of persons living with MS in Canada.* Since its launch in 2012, the CMSMS had received data from 3 MS clinics in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
* Based on an estimated 93,500 Canadians living with MS, according to Statistics Canada’s Canadian Community Health Survey (2010–2011).
Data Coverage
The CMSMS collected administrative, demographic, clinical, treatment, therapy and outcomes data on MS patients in Canada.
Data Availability
CMSMS data received prior to database closure will be available through CIHI’s data request process[CS1] for a period of time.
Data Elements
The CMSMS MDS, which was established to be used as a standard for MS data collection, includes the following categories:
- Submission Control Data
- Client Demographics
- Client Service Encounter
- Client Profile
- Diagnosis
- Clinical Characteristics
- Medications
- Treatment
- Outcomes
The CMSMS collected information at initial patient enrolment and at subsequent follow-up visits between health care providers and patients.
Data Quality
CIHI ensures that the quality of the information in our data holdings is suited to its intended uses and that data users are provided with accurate information about data quality. Read more about our Data and Information Quality Program.
Privacy impact assessment
Privacy impact assessments (PIAs) evaluate and address the privacy impacts of programs and systems.
Go to the Privacy and security page to view the PIA, which contains further information about the purposes, data elements and data sources for this data holding.
Contact us
For further information, please email
How to cite:
Canadian Institute for Health Information. Canadian Multiple Sclerosis Monitoring System Metadata. Accessed April 25, 2025.

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