Using a multidimensional unfolding approach to assess multiple sclerosis patient preferences for disease-modifying...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Health Services Research
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Multidimensional unfolding (MDU) is a multivariate technique for preference assessment.
• MDU uses a geometric model to map individuals and alternatives in a shared space.
• This method is effective even with small sample sizes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient preferences for disease-modifying therapy (DMT) attributes in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
• To utilize multidimensional unfolding (MDU) for preference evaluation in RRMS patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional pilot study involving RRMS patients.
• Key DMT attributes evaluated: relapse prevention, disease progression prevention, side-effect risk, and administration route/schedule.
• Patient preferences were assessed using a five-card game, ranking attributes from 1 (most preferred) to 5 (least preferred).

Main Results:

• 37 RRMS patients participated (mean age 38.6, 78.4% female).
• Disease progression prevention (51.4%) and relapse prevention (40.5%) were the most critical attributes.
• Administration frequency was least preferred by 56.8% of patients; 19.6% considered side-effect risk of low importance.

Conclusions:

• Patient preferences for DMT attributes are crucial for shared decision-making.
• Efficacy attributes (progression and relapse prevention) are paramount for RRMS patients.
• MDU is a feasible method for assessing multiple sclerosis patient preferences, warranting further research with stated choice methods.