Assessment of the role of telemedicine in the outcome of multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease, affecting about 2.5 million people worldwide. Telemedicine is a relatively recent telecommunication tool that has multiple formats such as store-and-forward, interactive video conferencing, remote medical record access, and remote patient monitoring. Telemedicine can be used to assess individuals with MS regarding their disease process, the development and impact of new symptoms as well as inquire about health behaviors that promote effective self-management. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of telemedicine on patient satisfaction, clinical outcome and financial feasibility for MS patients. Results Sixty MS patients from the MS unit, at Kafr Elshikh General Hospital, were recruited and divided into 2 groups; 30 in the telemedicine group and 30 in the control group. Both groups were followed up for 12 months. We found a significant difference between the telemedicine group compared to controls as it showed less severe visual symptoms (p 0.006), a smaller number of dropouts (p 0.034) and higher patient satisfaction, with no significant difference between the two groups in the number of relapses, gait, bowel and bladder, lower limb weakness. Conclusion Telemedicine was found to be a promising practice that can be used to promote, coordinate and adjust ongoing clinical services of MS patients.

Keywords

• Multiple sclerosis
• Telemedicine
• Digital health
• Expanded Disability Status Scale