Adapting the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite for Telehealth Administration Using Videoconference Delivery:...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• The Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) is a standard in-person assessment for multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Adaptations were necessary to transition the MSFC to a telehealth format for remote administration.
• The MSFC includes the timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25FWT), Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT), and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe adaptations made for a telehealth version of the MSFC (tele-MSFC).
• To examine the interrater reliability of the tele-MSFC.
• To assess the feasibility of administering the tele-MSFC to community-dwelling adults with MS.

Main Methods:

• The MSFC was adapted for videoconference administration, including a timed 12.5-Foot Walk Test (T12.5FWT) for limited spaces.
• Participants (n=61) with mild-to-moderate MS symptoms completed the tele-MSFC from home via laptop or smartphone.
• Examiners remotely scored the tests in real-time, and interrater reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Main Results:

• Interrater reliability for all tele-MSFC tests, including the T12.5FWT, was excellent (ICC > 0.90).
• Participants reported high satisfaction with the tele-MSFC.
• Challenges included space limitations for the T25FWT, technical difficulties, and safety/privacy concerns for those with moderate impairments.

Conclusions:

• The tele-MSFC is a reliable and feasible assessment tool for community-dwelling adults with mild to moderate MS.
• Adaptations allow for remote administration of key MSFC components.
• Further validation of the T12.5FWT is recommended.