Satisfaction with Multiple Sclerosis Care in Daily Practice - Results of a Patient Survey (BEFORE) (P06.200)

Abstract

Objective: Patient care in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is complex and time-consuming because the needs differ depending on the individual health status and the degree of disability. Background The BEFORE study was conducted to picture the current status of MS care in daily practice and to identify current issues with the goal to optimize the quality of life of patients with MS. Design/Methods: A survey of 2800 patients was conducted from March to May 2011 in 70 specialized MS practices and centers by a questionnaire especially developed for this study. Results: The majority of the participating patients suffered from relapsing remitting MS (85%), half of the patients had an expanded disability status score (EDSS) of 2.0 or lower. Mean time since diagnosis was 10.4 years. The interviewed MS patients were generally satisfied with the care given by treating physicians and the involved health service provider. With respect to their current treatment, only about 10% of patients reported not to be satisfied. 43% had previously abrogated or interrupted therapy. Reasons for that were side effects in 58% and injection-site problems in 39% cases. Of those patients who suffered from relapses during the previous 12 months, 67% reported to have received immunomodulating therapy. The last MRI showed 11.8 lesions on average. Nearly all patients rated better effectiveness to be most essential for new treatments in terms of reduction of disability progression and relapse rate. Providing equal efficacy, patients clearly prefer an oral therapy (75%), followed by subcutaneous (11%), intravenous (9%) and intramuscular injection (5%), respectively. Conclusions: Patients with MS were generally satisfied with their care and show long-term adherence, but still expect improvements for future MS therapy options. The Patients9 main choice would be an oral therapy with better effectiveness and tolerability. Disclosure: Dr. Becker has received personal compensation for activities with Novartis as member of a scientific advisory board. Dr. Becker has received research support from Novartis, Merck-Serono, Biogen Idec and Bayer Health care. Dr. Elias has received personal compensation for activities with Novartis, Pharma GmbH, Merck & Co., Biogen Idec as a member of a scientific advisory board. Dr. Elias has received research support from Novartis, Pharma GmbH, Merck & Co., Biogen Idec and Bayer Pharmeceuticals Corporation. Dr. Lueer has received personal compensation for activities with Merck Serono, Biogen Idec, Novartis Pharma GmbH, and Bayer Health Care.Dr. Lueer has received research support from Biogen Idec, Merck Serono, Bayer Health Care, and Novartis Pharma GmbH. Dr. Heeschen has received personal compensation for activities with Novartis as employee. Dr. Tracik has received personal compensation for activities with Novartis as an employee. Dr. Ortler has received personal compensation for activites with Novartis as an employee. Dr. Haas has received personal compensation for activities with Bayer Schering, Teva Aventis, Merck Serono, Biogen Idec, Allergan, and Octapharma.