Clinical monitoring of multiple sclerosis patients by means of digital technology, a field in the midst of a revolution

Abstract

Despite the great advances that have occurred in the diagnosis and treatment of ? multiple sclerosis (MS), few changes have taken place in terms of clinical monitoring. The lack of time and space in clinical practice limits the assessment of invisible symptoms and certain motor symptoms as manual dexterity and walking ability, which have a clear impact on the patient functional situation. To review the potential role of technological tools in the clinical monitoring of MS patients. A bibliographic search was carried out through PubMed, selecting those studies focused on biosensors and digital tools aimed at evaluating the general functional situation, and specific aspects of the disease or certain functional systems. Different digital tools such as biosensors, mobile or web applications, both for remote and hospital use, self-completed or administered by healthcare personnel, seem to offer a more 'complete and real' picture of the functional situation of patients. Some studies have shown that digital technology could detect subclinical disability progression, which traditional tests, including the EDSS, fail to reflect, favouring the adoption of appropriate therapeutic measures and actions in an early and personalized manner. Digital tools, capable of collecting detailed and extensive clinical information, could play an important role in decision-making and clinical monitoring of patients with MS.