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- Title
(MDC09) Comparing Patient Perceptions on Multiple Sclerosis Management and Care: A Subanalysis of Geographic Differences.
- Authors
Morrow, Sarah A.; Boyko, Alexey; Thompson, Heidi; Pontaga, Maija; Alexandri, Nektaria
- Abstract
Background: The MS in the 21st Century initiative is led by a steering group of international multiple sclerosis (MS) specialists and patient advocates with a current focus of improving education and communication between health care professionals and people with MS (PwMS). Objectives: To compare the perceptions of PwMS on MS management and care across 2 geographical regions: Europe and North America (United States and Canada). Particular emphasis was on patient support at diagnosis, treatment decisions, and communication. Methods: An electronic survey was developed to gain insight into patients' opinions on unmet needs in MS management. The surveys were conducted at 2 international patient meetings in 2017 and 2018. Multiple answers were solicited in response to 10 questions. Results: A total of 55 PwMS from Europe and 46 from North America completed the survey. PwMS in Europe listed a lack of time in medical appointments as their biggest challenge at diagnosis (60.0%), whereas PwMS in North America reported understanding disease progression to be their biggest challenge (57.8%). European PwMS reported greater levels of additional patient support available in their clinics (ie, MS nurse [67.3%], information about employment [21.2%], or psychological support [25.0%]), whereas 26.1% of North American PwMS reported no additional support. PwMS in Europe reported being less involved in treatment decisions, with 20.5% saying they were not involved, compared with 2.4% in North America. European PwMS placed more importance on the safety of their treatment (57.7%), whereas PwMS in North America placed more importance on the efficacy of their treatment (71.7%). Conclusions: There were distinct geographical variations between PwMS's perceptions and priorities relating to MS care, education, and treatment decisions. European PwMS reported less time in appointments and lower involvement in treatment decisions than North American PwMS, however they also reported greater levels of support and education outside of their neurologist appointments including greater access to specialist MS nurses.
- Subjects
MULTIPLE sclerosis diagnosis; COMMUNICATION; CONFERENCES &; conventions; MULTIPLE sclerosis; DECISION making in clinical medicine; PATIENTS' attitudes
- Publication
International Journal of MS Care, 2020, Vol 22, Issue S2, p50
- ISSN
1537-2073
- Publication type
Article