Multiple Sclerosis and MyChart Messaging: A Retrospective Chart Review Evaluating Its Use.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Health Informatics
• Patient Engagement

Background:

• Understanding MyChart (Epic Systems Corporation) messaging patterns can inform clinical practice.
• Limited research exists on MyChart utilization in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
• This study characterizes factors associated with high MyChart messaging rates in MS patients at an academic clinic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize factors associated with high rates of MyChart messaging among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To investigate the relationship between MS disease burden and MyChart utilization.
• To inform quality improvement initiatives for optimizing patient portal use in MS care.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 439 patients with MS diagnosis and at least one clinic visit.
• Extracted demographic data, disease-specific characteristics, and MyChart messaging information.
• Statistical analysis to identify factors associated with MyChart usage and messaging rates.

Main Results:

• 74% of MS patients were MyChart users.
• MyChart users were younger, had shorter disease duration, and lower Patient-Determined Disease Steps scores.
• Higher MyChart messaging correlated with more unique medications and negatively with age.

Conclusions:

• MS patient portal use is influenced by medical complexity beyond physical disability.
• Findings suggest a nuanced relationship between disease burden and MyChart utilization.
• Data can guide quality improvement research to optimize provider time, clinic productivity, patient safety, and reduce burnout.