[Usefulness of a standardized method for collecting anamnestic data in multiple sclerosis (MS)]

In order to improve the collection of historical data and the evaluation of the clinical course of the disease in MS patients, a standard questionnaire was structured using precise criteria for definition of the disease phase, type of course and symptoms, respectively. A preliminary validation resulted in significant inter- and intra-observer agreement on all collected historical data and definition of lesion localization. Such structured interviews, included in day-to-day clinical care as well as in computerized databases for MS, could improve the possibility of collecting data shareable between different studies and centers.