P.029 Assessing disability in MS during the COVID-19 pandemic: correlation between PDDS and EDSS scores obtained before and after virtual assessments

Abstract

Background: Public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many multiple sclerosis (MS) patients being assessed virtually. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, which are routinely obtained during MS consults, cannot be reliably calculated during virtual assessments. The Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) is a validated patient-reported outcome measure of disability in MS. This study aimed to find real world evidence for the validity of PDDS as a surrogate of EDSS. Methods: Chart review of all MS patients from the MS Clinic in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan who completed PDDS forms emailed to them prior to their virtual visit (N = 277) was performed. 97 (35%) had documented EDSS scores prior to and following their self-reported PDDS. Correlational analysis between PDDS scores and pre and post EDSS scores was performed. Results: PDDS scores were highly correlated with EDSS scores before (r(95) = .79, p < .001) and after (r(95) = .84, p < .001) clinic closure occurred. Conclusions: This study provides real-world evidence that PDDS can accurately assess disability in MS when in-person assessments are not possible. Further investigation into patient demographics that increase the likelihood of completing PDDS assessments prior to appointments at our centre is ongoing.