[Adherence, self-efficacy, physician visits in a clinical trial over 6 months in multiple sclerosis patients]

Lack of treatment adherence is a significant issue in multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this project was to examine whether establishing an observational situation in the context of a non-interventional study could positively affect the treatment adherence, quality of life as well as patient satisfaction in 206 MS patients treated with Copaxone(®). Apart from 3 standardised, anonymous surveys no further measures were taken. Self-efficacy increased in the patients, which was also reflected in a decline in physician visits in the monitoring period. The number of consultations initiated by the patient decreased very much between the second and third patient surveys. In the quality of life area "health", there was a significant improvement. After 3 months there was a discontinuation rate of 10.4%; after 6 months 8.8%. Even though this was not a controlled study, these results could indicate that, on a short-term basis, patients can be motivated to adhere--probably as a result of the psychological aspects of the observational situation. However, long-term changes in behaviour can probably only be achieved through qualified training.