103  Virtual multiple sclerosis (MS) clinics during a global pandemic: the patients’ perspective

• Published in: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry Vol. 93; no. 6; p. A133
• Main Authors: Ramsay, Stephen, Turley, Niamh, Magill, Fiona, Goldsmith, Grainne, McKee, Jon, Kennedy, Fiona, Droogan, Aidan, Hughes, Stella, McDonnell, Gavin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01.06.2022; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: ABN Abstracts 2021; Clinics; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Multiple sclerosis; Pandemics; Patient satisfaction; Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0022-3050; 1468-330X
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-ABN.428

BackgroundWithin our service, all scheduled face-to-face neurology clinics were cancelled from March 2020 due to Covid-19. Telephone reviews were initiated to provide continuity of MS care.ObjectiveTo assess patient satisfaction with MS telephone clinics during the pandemic and opinion regarding potential future use.Design/Methods Anonymised questionnaires were posted to 635 patients receiving MS specialist medical telephone review, March to July 2020.Results279 (44%) patient questionnaires were returned, mean age 49 years, 72% female, 87% having an EDSS <7.0. On a rating scale, (0–10, 10 = completely satisfied), 95% of patients reported a satisfaction score ≥7. For 99% of patients, clinical interaction was caring/sensitive by telephone. Satisfaction was high with: call duration (96%), opportunity to ask questions (99%) and understanding advice given (98%). During the pandemic, 87% of patients preferred the virtual appointment. Of all patients, 45% expressed preference for telephone review moving forward, rising to 55% among both wheelchair-using patients and those living >50 miles from clinic. Many felt that video call would further improve virtual review (54%).ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, satisfaction is high with MS review by telephone. A signifi- cant body of patient opinion supports telephone clinics beyond Covid-19. This is influenced by EDSS and distance from clinic.sramsay03@qub.ac.uk|ABN Bursary