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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Factors influencing patient satisfaction with the first diagnostic consultation in multiple sclerosis: a Swiss
Christian Philipp Kamm1,2, L Barin3,4, C Gobbi5,6
1Department of Neurology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. christian.kamm@luks.ch.
Background:
Patient satisfaction is predictive of adherence, malpractice litigation and doctor-switching.
Objective:
To investigate which factors of the first diagnostic consultation (FDC) influence patient satisfaction and which topics persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) thought were missing.
Methods:
Using retrospective patient-reported data of the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Registry from PwMS with relapsing disease onset, we fitted ordered logistic regression models on satisfaction with FDC, with socio-demographic and FDC features as explanatory factors.
Results:
386 PwMS diagnosed after 1995 were included. Good satisfaction with the FDC was associated with a conversation more than 20 min [multivariable odds ratio, 95% confidence interval 3.9 (2.42; 6.27)], covering many topics [1.35 (1.19; 1.54) per additional topic], the presence of a significant others [1.74 (1.03; 2.94) ], and shared decision making [3.39 (1.74; 6.59)]. Not receiving a specific diagnosis was main driver for low satisfaction [0.29 (0.15; 0.55)]. Main missing topics concerned long-term consequences (reported by 6.7%), psychological aspects (6.2%) and how to obtain support and further information (5.2%).
Conclusions:
A conversation of more than 20 min covering many MS relevant topics, a clear communication of the diagnosis, the presence of a close relative or significant other, as well as shared decision making enhanced patient satisfaction with the FDC. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02980640.
