Patient Satisfaction with Physicians and Nurse Practitioners in Multiple Sclerosis Centers

Area of Science:

• Neurology and Healthcare Management
• Patient Care and Satisfaction Studies

Background:

• Anticipated neurologist shortage may impact multiple sclerosis (MS) patient care.
• Nurse practitioners (NPs) have demonstrated success in filling provider gaps and improving outcomes, including patient satisfaction.
• This study addresses patient satisfaction with physicians (MDs) and NPs in MS centers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine and compare patient satisfaction levels with physicians (MDs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) centers.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional pilot study conducted at two MS centers.
• Convenience sample recruited; demographic data collected previsit.
• Patient satisfaction assessed postvisit using PSQ-18 and VSQ-9; visit times analyzed.

Main Results:

• High patient satisfaction reported for both NPs and MDs, with comparable satisfaction attributes.
• Encounter length significantly impacts satisfaction; scores decreased when visits were under 20 minutes.
• Patients with MS for over 10 years or with progressive MS reported higher satisfaction, regardless of provider type.

Conclusions:

• Standardized questionnaires are feasible for assessing patient satisfaction with NPs and MDs in MS care.
• A collaborative NP-MD team approach may enhance access to MS care without sacrificing patient satisfaction.
• This model is crucial given the projected neurologist shortage and rising MS prevalence.