Have telemedicine consultations been beneficial as follow-up appointments for people with multiple sclerosis?

Abstract

Introduction: This study ascertained whether telemedicine appointments have been beneficial for follow-up appointments for people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). The Covid-19 pandemic forced many services to adapt and change the way in which people with long-term conditions were reviewed. Initially, local MS services employed the use of telephone appointments, but quickly introduced telemedicine appointments, which enabled the clinician and patient to see each other via video technology. The initial feedback from the patients was mixed, with some patients preferring face-to-face appointments and others happy with the change. Since, telemedicine appointments have remained part of many MS services. As restrictions in the country have been lifted, the decision needs to be made whether MS teams across the country continue to use technology in the form of telemedicine appointments or return to face-to-face clinics in the hospital outpatient setting. Methods: A sample of patients were invited to complete an online questionnaire, which was issued through the member list of a local MS therapy centre. A thematical approach was then used to assess the gathered information. Results: The results of the questionnaire showed the preferred type of follow-up appointment was a face-to-face clinical setting, which the majority of participants found more personal, making it easier to communicate with their specialist nurse. However, when asked if they would prefer to be reviewed through face-to-face appointments only, telemedicine appointments only, or a combination of the two, the majority of participants preferred a combination of face-to-face and telemedicine follow ups. Conclusions: This study showed that the rapid uptake of telemedicine during the Covid-19 pandemic was useful to maintain regular reviews of people with MS. However, given the small sample size and limited age range, further research will be required to ascertain whether people with MS find telelmedicince follow-up appointments as beneficial as face-to-face appointments.