Virtual versus usual in-office care for multiple sclerosis: The VIRTUAL-MS multi-site randomized clinical trial study...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Health Services Research
• Digital Health

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) impacts nearly 1 million individuals, incurring substantial annual costs.
• Barriers to care for MS patients highlight the potential of telemedicine to improve access to specialized services.
• Previous studies suggest telemedicine is feasible and satisfactory, but longitudinal data for MS care is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the longitudinal impact of telemedicine on patient clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To assess the economic costs associated with telemedicine versus in-office care for MS patients.
• To examine patient and clinician experiences with telemedicine-enabled MS care.

Main Methods:

• A 24-month, two-site randomized clinical trial enrolling 120 adults with recent MS diagnoses.
• Participants randomized 1:1 to receive either in-clinic or telemedicine care.
• Primary outcome: worsening of any Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite 4 (MSFC4) measure at 24 months; secondary outcomes include satisfaction, costs, disability, and adherence.

Main Results:

• N/A - Study protocol description.

Conclusions:

• This study will address critical knowledge gaps regarding long-term telemedicine use in MS care.
• Findings will inform the implementation of telemedicine in clinical practice for MS and other chronic conditions.
• Results will guide the design of future clinical trials evaluating telemedicine interventions.