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Patients with multiple sclerosis prefer early diagnosis.
A C J W Janssens1, J B de Boer, N F Kalkers
1Erasmus MC, Department of Neurology, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
European Journal of Neurology
|May 15, 2004
Summary
Most multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are satisfied with their diagnosis timing, but many prefer an earlier disclosure. Early diagnosis of MS is preferred by patients, even with new criteria.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Diagnosis
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
Background:
- New diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) enable earlier detection.
- Clinicians may delay MS diagnosis due to perceived limited early benefits.
- Patient preference for early diagnosis timing remains unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patient satisfaction with the timing of multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
- To determine if patients prefer early disclosure of their MS diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Survey of recently diagnosed multiple sclerosis patients regarding diagnosis timing satisfaction.
- Analysis of patient preference for earlier, later, or current diagnosis disclosure.
- Correlation of diagnosis timing preference with the interval between initial neurologist visit and diagnosis.
Main Results:
- 75% of patients were satisfied with their diagnosis timing.
- 24% of patients desired an earlier diagnosis, while 6% preferred a later one.
- Patients preferring earlier diagnosis experienced significantly longer delays (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Patients with multiple sclerosis generally prefer an early diagnosis.
- The interval between initial consultation and diagnosis impacts patient satisfaction.
- Opportunities exist for timely MS diagnosis without compromising thorough evaluation.