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The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
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Initial User Testing of Decision Aids for Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapies
Summary
Decision aids for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment are usable and easy to understand. These tools can help patients make informed choices about disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) through shared decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Health Informatics
- Patient Decision Aids
Background:
- Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are crucial for multiple sclerosis (MS) management.
- DMT selection is a preference-sensitive decision requiring shared decision-making between patients and clinicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the usability of MS decision aids in patients aged 18-70.
- To assess patient experience, including readability, format, and content.
- To evaluate the feasibility of integrating decision aids into clinical visits for improved DMT selection.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing semistructured interviews with 23 eligible MS patients.
- Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from patient feedback.
Main Results:
- Decision aids were found to be easy to understand.
- Patients suggested including cost, prioritizing side effects and tests, increasing font size, and simplifying the injectable grid.
- Areas for improvement included formatting, DMT side effect transparency, data source clarity, and R&D.
Conclusions:
- The developed MS decision aids are usable and facilitate shared decision-making for DMT selection.
- Findings will guide prototype refinement and contribute to developing high-quality patient decision aids.
